Overview
Mari Mathews is a national expert in special education fiscal policy, recognized for her technical assistance work strengthening the capacity of special education fiscal leaders across the country. As a member of the Special Education Policy and Practice team, she helps states develop compliant, sustainable systems and improve fiscal policies, practices, and accountability.
Mathews leads the IDEA Part B Technical Assistance Team for the Center for IDEA Fiscal Reporting (CIFR), managing a team of IDEA Part B Technical Assistance Providers across the country to increase state fiscal capacity. She also advises states as a member of the National Center for Systemic Improvement (NCSI) Fiscal Support Team. She serves state agencies directly by providing technical assistance and data analysis and has authored many resources related to special education fiscal policy and data.
Prior to joining WestEd, Mathews worked for New Leaders for New Schools supporting data analysis for special projects focused on developing school leaders to improve student outcomes. She brings this outcomes-focused lens to her special education fiscal work.
Education
- Graduate certificate in leadership in special and inclusive education, University of Kansas
- MS in international business, economics and management, University of Leuven, Brussels, Belgium
- BA in international studies and global relations (minor in anthropology), University of the Pacific