History of RCEC

The Reno Regional Educational Service Coop was originally formed January 18, 1973 by the five rural Reno County school districts. The original Coop was hosted by the Haven school district and operated by the superintendents. The original application to the State included the formation of 11 special education classrooms, 3 speech language pathologists, 3 school psychologists, a hearing specialist, clerk, and director. The organization’s name was changed in November 1973 to the Reno Regional Education Service Organization (RRESO). The first director was hired in 1974.

In 1975, the federal government passed the Education for all Handicapped Children Act commonly referred to as PL 94-142 which mandated equal access to education for children with disabilities. To ensure compliance with this legislation, the six Reno County school districts partnered to ensure access to a continuum of special education services for students through the formation of an interlocal recognized by the State of Kansas.

The Reno County Education Cooperative Interlocal #610 (RCEC) was established July 1, 1977. Hutchinson USD 308 was the largest member district and was a member of the RCEC for 3 years. Since the 1980-1981 school year, the RCEC has been providing special education services to the school districts of Nickerson/South Hutchinson USD 309, Fairfield USD 310, Pretty Prairie USD 311, Haven USD 312 and Buhler USD 313.

The original office was located at south Halstead and Highway 50 from 1973 to 1993. This building was the site of the former Ijams School for Haven USD 312. A new office building was built on land donated by Buhler USD 313 and RCEC staff moved into the current building in Hutchinson in May 1993.

The RCEC has grown considerably since founded and employs approximately 100 licensed staff and 170 classified staff serving children from birth through 21 years of age. Annually, the RCEC serves approximately 800 students with exceptionalities from age 3 to 21 years. The number of infants and toddlers receiving special services continues to grow and is around 200.

Special education services are provided in all schools located in the member districts. Additional county-wide classrooms are provided for students in need of more specialized services. Partnerships with Hutchinson USD 308 and the McPherson Special Education Cooperative allow the districts to meet the needs of students needing a special day school. The RCEC also collaborates with Hutchinson USD 308 for services for children birth through 5 years of age through the non-profit Early Education Center, Inc.