Nearly 100 parents filled a Staples High School library classroom last night, for the Board of Education’s community conversation on special education.
Speaking respectfully but passionately, they urged the Board to conduct a “thorough, objective, independent and transparent” review of the entire special ed. program — and then follow through with accountability.
All 7 Board members, and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, took notes, and asked several clarifying questions. Board chair Lee Goldstein said their job last night was to listen to the public.
Board of Education members (from left) Stephen Shackelford, Jill Dillon, Andy Frankel, Neil Phillips, Dorie Hordon, Abby Tolan and chair Lee Goldstein, and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services Michael Rizzo, who oversees special education, was there too. His acknowledgment that the last district survey of special education families took place in 2009 drew a strong reaction from several speakers.
A 2017 review by CES — an organization that provides services to the district — was not an independent review, but looked only at the administrative structure, parents said.
They also questioned how many of CES’ 9 recommendations had been followed up on.
Several parents offered names of groups that could conduct a comprehensive review, involving all stakeholders.
Speakers also requested “transparency” around issues like the number of out-of-district placements for special education students, the amount of money paid to settle lawsuits, and the number of non-disclosure agreements signed.
There was discussion too of how well Westport special ed. students perform on standardized tests compared with their peers in regular education classes.as well as against special ed. students in comparable school districts.
Several parents praised their children’s excellent experiences in Westport, particularly Stepping Stones Pre-School. Others noted difficulties, including PPTs (Planning and Placement Team meetings), access to programs and facilities, and a lack of responsiveness from administrators.
The final speaker, Rosie Jon, drew sustained applause when she said, “No family should feel forced to leave the district because their needs are not being met.
“The Board of Ed is capable of leading change. They can be a hand reaching out to every child.
“We need an independent consultant to look into whether students, families and staff feel safe physically and emotionally working together, free from retaliation.
“At the center of everything is the child. We should all look at each child and ask, ‘How can we help? How can we work together?’ You can choose the right consultant to run this review.”
Parents are correct, should know their rights. I took my son out of Westport schools over 40 years ago, Westport school system will never change regarding special education, special ed students and parents are still left in the dark.