Student Support Services in Alpine County Schools is dedicated to ensuring that every learner — from preschool through adulthood — has access to the programs, resources, and supports they need to thrive. Under the leadership of Bill Roderick, Director of Student Support Services and SELPA Director for the Tahoe-Alpine Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), the department plays a vital role in delivering services both within the district and in partnership with Lake Tahoe Unified School District.

The scope of this work is broad and impactful. From early childhood interventions for preschoolers to transition planning for adult learners, the department coordinates a continuum of supports designed to meet the diverse needs of Alpine’s students. This includes individualized education plans (IEPs), counseling, speech and language services, and specialized academic instruction. By combining Alpine’s internal resources—including a full-time special education teacher, and several support professionals with experience in reading intervention, one-on-one, and small group support—with shared expertise and staffing from LTUSD, the Tahoe-Alpine SELPA ensures students receive high-quality services that might otherwise be unavailable in a small county setting.

A current challenge, like in many rural districts, is staffing specialized positions. Alpine County continues to experience a vacancy for a full-time speech-language pathologist (SLP). In the interim, the district has secured services through a high-quality online provider, ensuring students do not miss essential speech and language support while the search for a permanent staff member continues. This solution reflects the department’s commitment to both adaptability and continuity of care.

Beyond mandated services, Student Support Services also prioritizes equity, collaboration, and family partnership. Staff work closely with parents, teachers, and community members to ensure supports are tailored, effective, and culturally responsive. By combining local relationships with regional collaboration, the department brings the best of both worlds to Alpine’s students: the personal attention of a small district and the resources of a larger system.

If you have questions, please reach out to Bill Roderick, at broderick@alpinestudent.org