Hingham Public Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
7:00-9:00 PM
East Conference Room, Town Hall
Meeting Minutes
Attendees Present: Diane Denapoli (co-chair), Nate Rand (co-chair), Paige Rand (treasurer); Katie Gaughen (secretary), Dr. Dorothy Galo, Elizabeth Kurlan, Elizabeth O’Neill, Ed Schreier; Kay Praschma, Carlos Da Silva, Holly Pilotte, Kerry Ni, Jaime Kenney, Donna Kearney, K Zemelus, Michele Henders, Deb Carleton, Helen Bias, Pam Welch, Alyssa Redcran, Kelley Testa, Jill Beisel, Kern Sandler, Katie Morissey, Kate Daly, Shelli Coflin, Diane Erkinas, Tadas Erke, Janice Sullivan, Jody Trinchett, Daniela Andsuszkiewicz, Dina O’Neil, Bryna Rogers, Jen Doan, Ryben Estraca, Carolyn Bianchi, Richard McManus, Laura Barry, David Daly, Susan O’Hara, Patricia Byrnes. Additional parents were present who chose not to identify themselves.
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM. Diane Denapoli introduced the SEPAC Board.
Overview of SEPAC’s Mission and Vision
Nate Rand gave a brief overview of SEPAC’s mission. He noted that the new board came together in September 2015 and began by launching the “Year of Friendship”. As part of the Year of Friendship, SEPAC held several events last year, including:
SEPAC also has numerous events planned for this year, including a focus on deeper engagement in the community.
Diane Denapoli, chair, encouraged parents to reach out to her any time either by cell (617-359-7212, email or via SEPAC’s facebook page.
Parent Breakfasts
Katie Gaughen provided a brief update on parent breakfasts. The next gathering is scheduled for November 10th at 9:30 AM at Brueggers Bagels on 3A. Breakfasts occur on the second Thursday of each month at Brueggers at 9:30 AM. The flyer will be updated with that information. No parent breakfasts have occurred since the last SEPAC business meeting.
November Social
Diane provided an update on the parent social scheduled for November 10th at 7 PM at the Snug in Hingham.
Family Social
Katie Gaughen provided a brief overview of plans for a parent/child social at the rec center in January. Dates and times need to be confirmed, but is tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of 1/22.
Public Record Request
Katie Gaughen provided an update on the public record request. Based on a clear desire from parents who attended the October Parent Breakfast and SEPAC Business meeting, on October 18th, Katie and Patrick Gaughen submitted a public record request to Dr. Galo asking for
Settlement Agreements entered into between Hingham Public School District and parents, from January 1, 2012 to present, relative to the provision of special education services and educational placement(s) for students with disabilities, redacted of all personally identifying information.
On November 2nd the district responded that under Champa they believe that only settlement agreements pertaining to out-of-district placements are subject to request and identified 6 agreements meeting that criteria. They calculated a cost of $474.96 to find, redact and copy those agreements.
Katie reported that they disagree with the district’s interpretation of Champa and the way the district calculated costs and are currently drafting an appeal to the Secretary of State concerning the District’s response.
Copies of correspondence to date were circulated. Parents in the room indicated support for making the request.
Update from the Director of Student Services
Liz Kurlan thanked group for attending the meeting and taking an interest in special education. She also thanked SEPAC for bringing together parents and providing educational opportunities for the town and opportunities for parents to connect.
Liz shared several handouts detailing special education enrollment. The numbers represent children on IEPs not 504s. Diane Denapoli inquired about the total population of children with 504s. Liz did not have that data with her. Liz noted that Heather Rodriguez, who is the head of guidance for the District, oversees 504 plans.
Liz noted that IEPs are based on IDEA and entitle students with disabilities to make progress. 504 is a civil right statue which requires providing educational access. 504 plans have no funding source attached to them. They are most often an accommodation, but sometimes the involve services. 504s are paid for through regular school budget. More information regarding IEPs and 504s were detailed in last month’s Rights and Responsibilities presentation, which will be posted on the SEPAC facebook site.
A parent asked who funded out-of-district placements, as well as the total costs of those placements. Liz noted that information is publicly available on the mass.gov Operational Services website, which defines the cost for special education placements. The total special education budget for the current year is just over $11 million for 560 students. The out-of-district budget for the current year is $3,149,446. The special education budget is approximately 23.6% of the total school budget.
A parent pointed out that Hingham spends less per pupil ($12,368) than the state average ($14,936), but far more for out-of-district placements ($67,396 v. $21,606. Full spending information can be found at: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/finance.aspx?orgcode=01310000&orgtypecode=5&
A parent asked for details about how many out-of-district placements are determined by IEP team meeting, settlement, or state placement. The district did not share specific numbers, but Dr. Galo stated that the majority were determined through an IEP team meeting. A parent asked how many residential students the district was funding. Liz Kurlan reported 11 residential students were being funded by the District.
Dr. Galo noted that during the budget setting process, which occurs each Thursday in January, one hearing date is devoted specifically to special education and budget packets are available on the website.
Dr. Galo and Liz Kurlan noted that students must be educated in the least restrictive setting that allows them to make progress in the curriculum. The district stated that they are continually assessing the needs of children in out-of-district placement. Since the Fall of 2012, the district has “retrieved” 12 students from out-of-district placement and unsuccessfully attempted to “retrieve” four others. The district noted strong potential to “retrieve” 3 additional students over the next 2-3 years.
Parent Comments
Jaime Kenney introduced herself as a mother of two. Her younger son is at Landmark in a language-based program based on the result of a hearing, in which the state ruled in her favor. Where her son was struggling in Hingham Public Schools, he is now exceeding expectations. Her case is public and the full Bureau of Special Education Appeals decision can be found at www.doe.mass.edu/bsea/decisions/11-3762.doc. Jaime stated that she recently received a call from a parent in a similar situation that her son was in six years ago. Jaime noted that she found it challenging to engage in IEP meetings, because she wasn’t an expert and that when she brought advocate experts with her, meetings quickly got contentious. Jaime noted that she had no political aspirations or interest in running for school committee. She outlined her recent involvement in special education issues noting the following timeline:
Jaime asked to know more about the special education department’s vision and benchmarks, risk management and quality improvement processes. Jaime acknowledged that Hingham had wonderful teachers, all of whom made strong efforts to help her son succeed. Jaime also noted that there is a widespread fear of retaliation for speaking out regarding concerns in special education. She noted that she was concerned about poor attendance at SEPAC meetings and managing all of SEPAC’s business through a Facebook page rather than the website. She noted parents’ interest in empowering the administration with resources they need to help every student meet their full potential. Finally, she requested an Independent exploratory committee to make recommendations regarding improving special education in Hingham. Jamie urged parents in the room to visit nomoreryans.com for more information about special education in Hingham.
Another parent shared that she had been involved in the special education system since her child was in 6th grade. She noted that parents have to fight for their student to receive services. She noted that SEPAC meetings are not frequently attended because people fear retaliation. She recounted multiple meetings where parents would come to SEPAC prior to the meeting to discuss questions and concerns, but would leave prior to the meeting starting and the administration joining because they feared retaliation. She also noted that parents are funding their own services because it’s too difficult to get them from the schools and she felt that parents have the burden of proof in our current system.
Another parent spoke whose oldest child is on 504 and whose younger child is diagnosed with a reading disorder. She noted that Hingham’s teachers are wonderful and kind, but she struggled to transition her children from a private school to the public school. She noted that when she reviewed the services offered for her child, they didn’t fit his needs. When she asked to match her child with teacher whose teaching style would meet her child’s needs, she hit a brick wall. At one point, the parent stated she was told to continue to educate child privately. She does not understand why are there so many brick walls in a town with so many resources.
Another parent noted a lack of consistency transitioning from year-to-year and school-to school for her child on an IEP. She stated that she felt she was starting over every year with new paras, new teachers, and new ideas about how to teach her child. She suggested a single person follow a child with an individual plan throughout their entire school career.
Another parent stated that she had four children in Hingham Public Schools and found it very challenging to get services. She stated that she had been asked to leave the District and asked to medicate her child. She stated that one of her children missed 8 months of school because an agreement could not be reached regarding how to serve him. She stated that her 16 year old son feels ostracized from the town. For her younger child, she noted that the 5th to 6th grade transition was difficult. Her son has diagnosed anxiety and ADHD was brought to truancy court, but was told didn’t have to go straight to IEP. He failed all of 6th grade before he was finally put on an IEP in June. She noted that seemed to align with a budget calendar. She also noted a concern with how SEPAC meetings were run with the administration present and noted other towns do it differently. She offered to share a case study she had done of five comparable towns.
Another parent stated that she had a son in 6th grade, but she felt that she lost him in 3rd grade. He was diagnosed with ADHD in second grade. He began to feel “dumb” and became a bit of a class clown and scapegoat for his peers. His confidence plummeted. After two years of going back and forth with teachers, he was finally diagnosed with a non-verbal learning disorder. The middle school transition was very difficult for him. She has seen a social, happy little boy transform into a boy who feels stupid and has lost his friends and she points to his experience in the schools as squarely responsible. She implored the group to consider all children as they work through these issues, including those on 504s.
Another parent asked about special education goals.
Dr. Galo reported that there’s not a special education department goal, but rather each individual defines their personal goals for the year.
A parent asked how self-analysis happens in the schools.
Dr. Galo noted that the school frequently compares their data to other towns, including metrics on numbers of counselors and paraeducators. She also noted that there is a special education coordinated program review by DOE every five years and they recently had their mid-cycle review, which found no issues. Dr. Galo stated that the directors of special education from surrounding towns meet regularly at the South Shore Collaborative. She noted trends in increasing numbers of students with anxiety and depression, as young as age five. Dr. Galo also noted that every child’s plan had to be individualized, so it was difficult to see themes.
A parent stated that we need to look at outcomes and what latitude parents and the school committee has to assess programs.
Dr. Galo noted that within the last five years Hingham has developed substantially separate classroom K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12+. A parent questioned the implementation of best practices in those classrooms.
Dr. Galo noted the district’s focus on social emotional health and that monthly special education meetings occur at every school.
A parent asked what is the process for continuous quality improvement at the administration level at the school committee level?
Kay Praschma, School Committee member, thanked the group and committed to taking on 1-2 key issues.
A parent noted that it was critical to identify the needs, including parent perspectives and trends that the administration is seeing.
Ed Schreier, School Committee member, remarked about energy of special education committee and their commitment to addressing issues in special education.
Carlos DaSilva, School Committee member, recommended that parents get really get involved in the budget process.
A parent asked about the due diligence and best practices that the school committee can explore. Ed Schreier noted that partnership with the administration was key in this regard because they are the subject matter experts.
A parent emphasized concerns with transparency and real or perceived retaliation against parents who speak out. Dr. Galo noted that the administration takes that very seriously and wanted to be informed about instances of retaliation.
Kerry Ni provided an example of retaliation, noting that she met with Jaime Kenney and a number of parents to prepare for the meeting and to organize thoughts before speaking. She also noted that she is helping Jaime with her website. She noted that Liz Kurlan heard about these events in preparation for the SEPAC meeting. She noted that on Tuesday, November 8th, the Special Education department had their monthly meeting at South Elementary, where her younger son with special needs attends school. Liz led the meeting and according to attendees and others in the building, told the special education staff at South that Jaime Kenney and Kerry Ni had formed a secret group that was having secret meetings to take down the teachers and special education department. Kerry noted that she loves and appreciates her son’s teachers and had worked hard to support them and build a relationship with them, so undermining that trust was extremely hurtful and damaging.
Another parent noted that she had approached the school because she was concerned about her daughter’s progress in first grade. She stated her initial inquiries were dismissed and treated condescendingly by the school administration. She feels parents are actively discouraged from seeking services to support their children.
Based on the discussion throughout the night the following motion was approved:
SEPAC recommends that the special education subcommittee of the school committee reactivate and engage a group of parents, teachers, administrators and town officials to:
· Spearhead continuous quality improvement and implementation of best practices
· Promote transparency
· Ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars
Ed Schreier committed to getting word back in a week about whether the subcommittee will adopt the recommendation. The members of the subcommittee will review the allowable tasks in the special education subcommittee bylaws.
Kay Praschma urged paernts to register with town website about meetings and check bulletin board. The website can be found at http://www.hingham-ma.gov
Dr. Galo emphasized that special education decisions are not made based on available budgets. She emphasized the importance of taking a collaborative approach and noted that special education law is adversarial by nature.
Next Steps
Parents only will reconvene on Wednesday, November 16th at 7 PM at Town Hall to discuss recommendations regarding
School committee members will provide feedback on how they are proceeding as quickly as possible.
The next regular SEPAC meeting is scheduled for December 14th at 7 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
7:00-9:00 PM
East Conference Room, Town Hall
Meeting Minutes
Attendees Present: Diane Denapoli (co-chair), Nate Rand (co-chair), Paige Rand (treasurer); Katie Gaughen (secretary), Dr. Dorothy Galo, Elizabeth Kurlan, Elizabeth O’Neill, Ed Schreier; Kay Praschma, Carlos Da Silva, Holly Pilotte, Kerry Ni, Jaime Kenney, Donna Kearney, K Zemelus, Michele Henders, Deb Carleton, Helen Bias, Pam Welch, Alyssa Redcran, Kelley Testa, Jill Beisel, Kern Sandler, Katie Morissey, Kate Daly, Shelli Coflin, Diane Erkinas, Tadas Erke, Janice Sullivan, Jody Trinchett, Daniela Andsuszkiewicz, Dina O’Neil, Bryna Rogers, Jen Doan, Ryben Estraca, Carolyn Bianchi, Richard McManus, Laura Barry, David Daly, Susan O’Hara, Patricia Byrnes. Additional parents were present who chose not to identify themselves.
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM. Diane Denapoli introduced the SEPAC Board.
Overview of SEPAC’s Mission and Vision
Nate Rand gave a brief overview of SEPAC’s mission. He noted that the new board came together in September 2015 and began by launching the “Year of Friendship”. As part of the Year of Friendship, SEPAC held several events last year, including:
- Katie Schamitz from Skills for Living to talk about friendship,
- Dr. Nadja Reilly to talk about anxiety in the classroom
- Shut-Up Sisters
- Parents Rights and Responsibilities
- Extended School Year informational night
- Parent socials
- 4th of July parade
- Pretty Little Things Fashion show
SEPAC also has numerous events planned for this year, including a focus on deeper engagement in the community.
Diane Denapoli, chair, encouraged parents to reach out to her any time either by cell (617-359-7212, email or via SEPAC’s facebook page.
Parent Breakfasts
Katie Gaughen provided a brief update on parent breakfasts. The next gathering is scheduled for November 10th at 9:30 AM at Brueggers Bagels on 3A. Breakfasts occur on the second Thursday of each month at Brueggers at 9:30 AM. The flyer will be updated with that information. No parent breakfasts have occurred since the last SEPAC business meeting.
November Social
Diane provided an update on the parent social scheduled for November 10th at 7 PM at the Snug in Hingham.
Family Social
Katie Gaughen provided a brief overview of plans for a parent/child social at the rec center in January. Dates and times need to be confirmed, but is tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of 1/22.
Public Record Request
Katie Gaughen provided an update on the public record request. Based on a clear desire from parents who attended the October Parent Breakfast and SEPAC Business meeting, on October 18th, Katie and Patrick Gaughen submitted a public record request to Dr. Galo asking for
Settlement Agreements entered into between Hingham Public School District and parents, from January 1, 2012 to present, relative to the provision of special education services and educational placement(s) for students with disabilities, redacted of all personally identifying information.
On November 2nd the district responded that under Champa they believe that only settlement agreements pertaining to out-of-district placements are subject to request and identified 6 agreements meeting that criteria. They calculated a cost of $474.96 to find, redact and copy those agreements.
Katie reported that they disagree with the district’s interpretation of Champa and the way the district calculated costs and are currently drafting an appeal to the Secretary of State concerning the District’s response.
Copies of correspondence to date were circulated. Parents in the room indicated support for making the request.
Update from the Director of Student Services
Liz Kurlan thanked group for attending the meeting and taking an interest in special education. She also thanked SEPAC for bringing together parents and providing educational opportunities for the town and opportunities for parents to connect.
Liz shared several handouts detailing special education enrollment. The numbers represent children on IEPs not 504s. Diane Denapoli inquired about the total population of children with 504s. Liz did not have that data with her. Liz noted that Heather Rodriguez, who is the head of guidance for the District, oversees 504 plans.
Liz noted that IEPs are based on IDEA and entitle students with disabilities to make progress. 504 is a civil right statue which requires providing educational access. 504 plans have no funding source attached to them. They are most often an accommodation, but sometimes the involve services. 504s are paid for through regular school budget. More information regarding IEPs and 504s were detailed in last month’s Rights and Responsibilities presentation, which will be posted on the SEPAC facebook site.
A parent asked who funded out-of-district placements, as well as the total costs of those placements. Liz noted that information is publicly available on the mass.gov Operational Services website, which defines the cost for special education placements. The total special education budget for the current year is just over $11 million for 560 students. The out-of-district budget for the current year is $3,149,446. The special education budget is approximately 23.6% of the total school budget.
A parent pointed out that Hingham spends less per pupil ($12,368) than the state average ($14,936), but far more for out-of-district placements ($67,396 v. $21,606. Full spending information can be found at: http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/profiles/finance.aspx?orgcode=01310000&orgtypecode=5&
A parent asked for details about how many out-of-district placements are determined by IEP team meeting, settlement, or state placement. The district did not share specific numbers, but Dr. Galo stated that the majority were determined through an IEP team meeting. A parent asked how many residential students the district was funding. Liz Kurlan reported 11 residential students were being funded by the District.
Dr. Galo noted that during the budget setting process, which occurs each Thursday in January, one hearing date is devoted specifically to special education and budget packets are available on the website.
Dr. Galo and Liz Kurlan noted that students must be educated in the least restrictive setting that allows them to make progress in the curriculum. The district stated that they are continually assessing the needs of children in out-of-district placement. Since the Fall of 2012, the district has “retrieved” 12 students from out-of-district placement and unsuccessfully attempted to “retrieve” four others. The district noted strong potential to “retrieve” 3 additional students over the next 2-3 years.
Parent Comments
Jaime Kenney introduced herself as a mother of two. Her younger son is at Landmark in a language-based program based on the result of a hearing, in which the state ruled in her favor. Where her son was struggling in Hingham Public Schools, he is now exceeding expectations. Her case is public and the full Bureau of Special Education Appeals decision can be found at www.doe.mass.edu/bsea/decisions/11-3762.doc. Jaime stated that she recently received a call from a parent in a similar situation that her son was in six years ago. Jaime noted that she found it challenging to engage in IEP meetings, because she wasn’t an expert and that when she brought advocate experts with her, meetings quickly got contentious. Jaime noted that she had no political aspirations or interest in running for school committee. She outlined her recent involvement in special education issues noting the following timeline:
- 10/1 – a Hingham parent reached out to her facing the same issues that her son faced six years ago, raising awareness that little progress had been made since her son’s placement out-of-district
- 10/17 – Jaime watched the channel 5 expose on Champ and posted the story on local websites
- 10/25 – Jaime talked with school committee member Ed Schreier and held a meeting of concerned parents at her home
- 11/2 – Jaime talked with Kay Praschma and reached out to Diane Denapoli to express her concerns
Jaime asked to know more about the special education department’s vision and benchmarks, risk management and quality improvement processes. Jaime acknowledged that Hingham had wonderful teachers, all of whom made strong efforts to help her son succeed. Jaime also noted that there is a widespread fear of retaliation for speaking out regarding concerns in special education. She noted that she was concerned about poor attendance at SEPAC meetings and managing all of SEPAC’s business through a Facebook page rather than the website. She noted parents’ interest in empowering the administration with resources they need to help every student meet their full potential. Finally, she requested an Independent exploratory committee to make recommendations regarding improving special education in Hingham. Jamie urged parents in the room to visit nomoreryans.com for more information about special education in Hingham.
Another parent shared that she had been involved in the special education system since her child was in 6th grade. She noted that parents have to fight for their student to receive services. She noted that SEPAC meetings are not frequently attended because people fear retaliation. She recounted multiple meetings where parents would come to SEPAC prior to the meeting to discuss questions and concerns, but would leave prior to the meeting starting and the administration joining because they feared retaliation. She also noted that parents are funding their own services because it’s too difficult to get them from the schools and she felt that parents have the burden of proof in our current system.
Another parent spoke whose oldest child is on 504 and whose younger child is diagnosed with a reading disorder. She noted that Hingham’s teachers are wonderful and kind, but she struggled to transition her children from a private school to the public school. She noted that when she reviewed the services offered for her child, they didn’t fit his needs. When she asked to match her child with teacher whose teaching style would meet her child’s needs, she hit a brick wall. At one point, the parent stated she was told to continue to educate child privately. She does not understand why are there so many brick walls in a town with so many resources.
Another parent noted a lack of consistency transitioning from year-to-year and school-to school for her child on an IEP. She stated that she felt she was starting over every year with new paras, new teachers, and new ideas about how to teach her child. She suggested a single person follow a child with an individual plan throughout their entire school career.
Another parent stated that she had four children in Hingham Public Schools and found it very challenging to get services. She stated that she had been asked to leave the District and asked to medicate her child. She stated that one of her children missed 8 months of school because an agreement could not be reached regarding how to serve him. She stated that her 16 year old son feels ostracized from the town. For her younger child, she noted that the 5th to 6th grade transition was difficult. Her son has diagnosed anxiety and ADHD was brought to truancy court, but was told didn’t have to go straight to IEP. He failed all of 6th grade before he was finally put on an IEP in June. She noted that seemed to align with a budget calendar. She also noted a concern with how SEPAC meetings were run with the administration present and noted other towns do it differently. She offered to share a case study she had done of five comparable towns.
Another parent stated that she had a son in 6th grade, but she felt that she lost him in 3rd grade. He was diagnosed with ADHD in second grade. He began to feel “dumb” and became a bit of a class clown and scapegoat for his peers. His confidence plummeted. After two years of going back and forth with teachers, he was finally diagnosed with a non-verbal learning disorder. The middle school transition was very difficult for him. She has seen a social, happy little boy transform into a boy who feels stupid and has lost his friends and she points to his experience in the schools as squarely responsible. She implored the group to consider all children as they work through these issues, including those on 504s.
Another parent asked about special education goals.
Dr. Galo reported that there’s not a special education department goal, but rather each individual defines their personal goals for the year.
A parent asked how self-analysis happens in the schools.
Dr. Galo noted that the school frequently compares their data to other towns, including metrics on numbers of counselors and paraeducators. She also noted that there is a special education coordinated program review by DOE every five years and they recently had their mid-cycle review, which found no issues. Dr. Galo stated that the directors of special education from surrounding towns meet regularly at the South Shore Collaborative. She noted trends in increasing numbers of students with anxiety and depression, as young as age five. Dr. Galo also noted that every child’s plan had to be individualized, so it was difficult to see themes.
A parent stated that we need to look at outcomes and what latitude parents and the school committee has to assess programs.
Dr. Galo noted that within the last five years Hingham has developed substantially separate classroom K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12+. A parent questioned the implementation of best practices in those classrooms.
Dr. Galo noted the district’s focus on social emotional health and that monthly special education meetings occur at every school.
A parent asked what is the process for continuous quality improvement at the administration level at the school committee level?
Kay Praschma, School Committee member, thanked the group and committed to taking on 1-2 key issues.
A parent noted that it was critical to identify the needs, including parent perspectives and trends that the administration is seeing.
Ed Schreier, School Committee member, remarked about energy of special education committee and their commitment to addressing issues in special education.
Carlos DaSilva, School Committee member, recommended that parents get really get involved in the budget process.
A parent asked about the due diligence and best practices that the school committee can explore. Ed Schreier noted that partnership with the administration was key in this regard because they are the subject matter experts.
A parent emphasized concerns with transparency and real or perceived retaliation against parents who speak out. Dr. Galo noted that the administration takes that very seriously and wanted to be informed about instances of retaliation.
Kerry Ni provided an example of retaliation, noting that she met with Jaime Kenney and a number of parents to prepare for the meeting and to organize thoughts before speaking. She also noted that she is helping Jaime with her website. She noted that Liz Kurlan heard about these events in preparation for the SEPAC meeting. She noted that on Tuesday, November 8th, the Special Education department had their monthly meeting at South Elementary, where her younger son with special needs attends school. Liz led the meeting and according to attendees and others in the building, told the special education staff at South that Jaime Kenney and Kerry Ni had formed a secret group that was having secret meetings to take down the teachers and special education department. Kerry noted that she loves and appreciates her son’s teachers and had worked hard to support them and build a relationship with them, so undermining that trust was extremely hurtful and damaging.
Another parent noted that she had approached the school because she was concerned about her daughter’s progress in first grade. She stated her initial inquiries were dismissed and treated condescendingly by the school administration. She feels parents are actively discouraged from seeking services to support their children.
Based on the discussion throughout the night the following motion was approved:
SEPAC recommends that the special education subcommittee of the school committee reactivate and engage a group of parents, teachers, administrators and town officials to:
· Spearhead continuous quality improvement and implementation of best practices
· Promote transparency
· Ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars
Ed Schreier committed to getting word back in a week about whether the subcommittee will adopt the recommendation. The members of the subcommittee will review the allowable tasks in the special education subcommittee bylaws.
Kay Praschma urged paernts to register with town website about meetings and check bulletin board. The website can be found at http://www.hingham-ma.gov
Dr. Galo emphasized that special education decisions are not made based on available budgets. She emphasized the importance of taking a collaborative approach and noted that special education law is adversarial by nature.
Next Steps
Parents only will reconvene on Wednesday, November 16th at 7 PM at Town Hall to discuss recommendations regarding
- continuous quality improvement and implementation of best practices in special education
- promoting transparency
- ensuring effective use of taxpayer dollars
School committee members will provide feedback on how they are proceeding as quickly as possible.
The next regular SEPAC meeting is scheduled for December 14th at 7 PM.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
