Twp. Schools Not Equipped to Eliminate Special Services Director, Social Worker Says

Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention that the Director Of Special Services position was eliminated as part of the 2014-15 Budget which was approved this past Tuesday evening (April 29). It is my understanding that the Board may be having some additional discussion regarding the elimination of this position at the Board Meeting this Tuesday (May 6th) which, according to the Board website is being held at Flocktown School. This may be the only opportunity for parents of special needs children in the district and special services staff to provide their input on this critical position and possibly have the position reinstated.

The position is critical to the district for the following reasons:

The Director of Special Services ensures that the district complies with all federal and state laws regarding special Services.

The Director of Special Services ensures that all services detailed in the IEP’s are delivered to all Special Education students

The Director of Special Services identifies the need for and advocates for funding and head count (based on the total services identified by the IEP’s) in budget meetings with his peers, the Superintendent and the Business Manager

The Director Of Special Services collaborates with parents to determine the most appropriate program and services to meet the needs of their children. This may include out of district placements.

The Director of Special Services is the single point of contact if and when legal action is initiated against the district regarding special services matters.

The Director Of Special Services develops cost-saving and revenue generating programs related to Special Services programs including the recent (Award winning) development and implementation of a program for autistic students in the district.

There is a concern that without this position the quality of education for special needs students is at risk and may deteriorate. Given that the current plan is for the principals and a supervisor to pick up the work currently being done by the Director of Special Services, the following questions should be asked by parents:

Why, when the percentage of Special Education students is growing as a percentage of total student population is headcount being cut for Special Services but added for Regular Education students?

Most importantly, do the principals and supervisor have the expertise and experience to take on additional work including evaluations (3 required observations, consultations and reports each year for every Special Services staff member), collaboration with parents regarding the  programs, services and possible out of district placements found in their IEP’s. Please note that many of the principals are fairly new and may not have the expertise and experience to fulfill these tasks.

Will the supervisor be able to effectively advocate for Special Services resources in the budget given that he/she will be disadvantaged in the negotiations because he/she is a lower staff member?

Who will be ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, IEP’s, etc.? What happens in the event of non- compliance? Who ensures its correction?

Who will be responsible for ensuring the continued high quality education for district special needs students which has won numerous state-wide awards for innovations in Special Education.

How can parents be sure that the staffing levels and funding for students with special needs are appropriate and won’t be cut?

Who will be handling the legal issues that arise throughout the year? Do they have the time and expertise to handle complex legal cases?

How can the Special Services staff be assured that their positions are secure and won’t be cut out of the budget as well? Please keep in mind that the Director, whose position is being cut out of the budget, is a highly regarded, tenured administrator.

Shockingly, from a transparency and trust standpoint, why was this decision made secretly with no itemization in the budget presentation and no notification to the parents of students with special needs?

Given the recent announcement (Friday, 5/2) that the Facilities Manager is retiring, why can’t the headcount for the position be transferred to cover the Director of Special Services’ salary and benefits?

All taxpayers should realize that if an inappropriate placement resulting in a lawsuit is made, funds will be diverted from students to pay for legal fees and settlements and/or taxes will be raised to cover them.

Finally, given the budget tax cap, there is tremendous pressure to find places to cut expenses. In the past those unfamiliar with the needs of Special Education students invariably have looked at the Special Education budget as a line item in the budget to tap into for other needs. It is my understanding that in the past there has been at least one board member who was a parent of a special needs child and who could advocate on their behalf during budget preparation and assure that adequate monies for special needs students were in the budget. To the best of my knowledge, that is no longer the case. As a result, there is a possibility that Board members may currently be unfamiliar with both Special Education student needs and the federal and state laws supporting them.

I would urge all parents of special needs students and Special Services staff members to attend Tuesday’s board meeting (5/6) and advocate for their children. This will probably be the only opportunity to do so. Stand up to support this critical position. Be prepared with your thoughts, slowly walk to the microphone, take a deep breath and let your voices be heard. 

Elizabeth Rupprecht
School Social Worker/Adjunct Instructor