10/21/2010

We attended a special meeting of the committee to amend the old bylaws and nominate folks for voting member positions.  We alligned the openings with the percentages of the disability population in the county, added extended transition and adjusted some descriptions.  The next meeting, November16th, will include the voting for the new members.  There are up to 40 positions on the committee, up from 43 in the past and we are encouraged that there will be adaquate support from those who wish to be involved.

March 24, 2009
Members of ESE Parents and Advocates attended the meeting wearing mathcing shirts in order to attrach attention and show unity.  Approximately 15 members were able to attend, a good turnout given the short notice and time to organize.  The group had less than a week to prepare for this meeting.

Several members spoke during the presentations from the audience portion of the meeting.  Highlights from the meeting minutes are listed below.  After the meeting, several board members spoke with our group individually thanjing us for our effotrs and encouraging us to continur our work.

Taken from the School Board Minutes:

Wendy Vernon -- Addressed the Board to ask that incoming kindergarten students be permitted to attend the same school that the child's older siblings are attending this year.   Ms. Vernon stated that her son who will be entering kindergarten this August has been served in the sensory disorder program at Lake St. George Elementary School where his older sibling attends but has now been assigned to Garrison Jones Elementary School. 

Dr. Ron Knaus, Parents & Advocates of ESE Children -- Addressed the Board to say children with autistic disorder, though they have been grouped into one definition, are all unique and very fragile.  Dr. Knaus spoke against the district moving these children out of their present schools since a move to another school can disrupt them and possibly place them with teachers who are not trained to work with their children.  Dr. Knaus requested that the district continue to have a good collaborative relationship with these families.

Full Text of Dr, Knaus' address at the School Board Meeting -3/24/2009

Katherine Diaz --  Addressed the Board to thank them for allowing this parent group to speak to the Board; to say that she has two children in the district's ESE program; to say that Lorrie Bennett has provided a support group at their school; to share briefly about the need for a summer camp; and, to speak against moving these children out of their present school.

Mrs. Wikle --  1) Thanked the parents who attended this meeting to advocate for their children who are students in our ESE programs. 

Mrs. Lerner -- 2) Thanked the parents and Dr. Knaus who spoke earlier advocating for their children and the district's programs put in place to meet the needs of children with Autisim.   Mrs. Lerner stated that she worked with children with autism and that she agrees that disruptions can be hard on these children.  Mrs. Lerner stated that she is sure that every effort will be made by staff to assist these parents.