Overview
Jennifer (Jen) Thompson is a national expert in IDEA Part B fiscal policy, grants management, and fiscal monitoring, with nearly 30 years of experience supporting students with disabilities. As Program Manager with WestEd’s Special Education team, Thompson partners with state education agencies to strengthen fiscal systems, improve compliance with federal requirements, and build sustainable practices that maximize IDEA resources while improving outcomes for children with disabilities.
Thompson coleads the Fiscal Support Team for the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI), where she provides technical assistance to state education agencies nationwide on IDEA Part B fiscal requirements. She develops national guidance documents, practice guides, and decision-making tools; facilitates communities of practice and open door sessions; and delivers professional learning on topics including allowable use of funds, fiscal monitoring, subrecipient oversight, and parentally placed private school requirements. She also collaborates with the Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting (CIFR) to help states translate complex federal requirements into effective, sustainable fiscal practices.
Before joining WestEd, Thompson spent more than 17 years with the Indiana Department of Education, serving as Assistant Director of Special Education (Fiscal) and Lead Part B Grants Specialist. Earlier in her career, she worked as a special education teacher serving students in grades 3–12. Her experience as an educator, state leader, and national technical assistance provider enables her to help education agencies implement practical fiscal solutions that support compliance while keeping the focus on improving services and opportunities for children with disabilities.
Education
- BS in elementary education, Ball State University
- Endorsement in special education–learning disabilities, Purdue University
- Endorsement in special education–mild mental handicaps, Ball State University
Select Publications
Mukuna, A., Thompson, J., & Davey, A. (2025). Developing written procedures for parentally-placed private school proportionate share of IDEA funds: Practice guide. National Center for Systemic Improvement.
Thompson, J., et al. Allowable use of IDEA Part B funds decision tree. National Center for Systemic Improvement.
Mukuna, A., Davey, A., & Thompson, J. Quick reference guide on parentally-placed private school proportionate share of IDEA funds. National Center for Systemic Improvement.
Thompson, J., et al. Quick reference guide on subrecipient monitoring. National Center for Systemic Improvement.
Thompson, J., et al. Developing written procedures for IDEA Part B subrecipient fiscal monitoring. National Center for Systemic Improvement.