Complaint from parent group over lack of input on Cherry Hill school district’s administrative decisions becomes point of contention.
In Cherry Hill, there’s a distinct feeling of unease that its school district is failing to uphold its end of the bargain in terms of special education. A group of parents has pointed fingers squarely at the district, accusing it of disregarding pleas for input into the decision-making process to smooth the path to education for their children.
To that end, the Cherry Hill Special Education Parent Teacher Association informed Cherry Hill Public Schools that it had filed a complaint with the state Board of Education in early August. The situation has yet to reach a conclusion, and has become murky as it goes along.
New Jersey Administrative Code requires each school district to have a Special Education Parent Advisory Group in place to provide input on issues concerning students with disabilities. In addition, CHSEPTA and district officials both confirmed that Cherry Hill Public Schools has identified Cherry Hill Special Education PTA as the group to meet this regulation.
“Over the past several years, we have asked publicly, at Board of Education meetings, as well as through correspondence and face-to-face meetings for the district to allow us the input the regulations require. After being denied these requests, CHSEPTA filed a complaint with the NJDOE regarding non-compliance with this regulation,” said Jennifer Naddeo, president of CHSEPTA.
According to Naddeo, the state then sent a letter to both parties on Aug. 23 indicating there was initial merit, and gave the district 10 calendar days to meet with CHSEPTA and resolve. If the two parties could resolve the issue, the complaint would be closed. The letter also stated either party could request mediation to resolve the issue, but the state needed to be notified within the 10-day window. CHSEPTA contacted the state to request mediation, but never heard from the district to meet, and the district informed the state it was not interested in mediation.
“The first communication we received from the district was an email on Sept. 18, informing CHSEPTA they were forming a new Special Education Parent Advisory Board, 15 minutes before informing the public,” Naddeo added.
Naddeo feels the district is marginalizing the parents and guardians of students with special needs. She said CHSEPTA had been raising concerns over its lack of input in district decision-making for more than a year, and the district didn’t make any changes, but after the complaint was filed, now the district decided to eliminate this function of CHSEPTA.
“All CHSEPTA is asking for is input. We understand that ultimately policy is decided by the district administration. We are asking for input as to how policies affect our district children with disabilities,” Naddeo said.
Michael Yaple, director of public information for the state’s Department of Education, confirmed a complaint from CHSEPTA was received, but said the state cannot discuss details. He added the Office of Special Education has 60 days to complete its review, so, by Oct. 16, the OSE should issue its report addressing whether the district is complying with state requirements.
When reached for comment, Barbara Wilson, Cherry Hill School District public information officer, acknowledged CHSEPTA notified the board on Aug. 14 the complaint was lodged with the state, but did not comment further as the matter is still unresolved.
However, Superintendent Joe Meloche touched on the district’s planned Special Education Parent Advisory Group briefly at last Tuesday’s board of education meeting, saying the district sent home a flier and letter to any students in the district with an individualized education program or 504 plan.
Meloche said the district is forming the group after reviewing state statutory guidelines requiring districts to have a special education parent advisory group.
“We reviewed the statute and we realized we’re probably not following the guidelines by using Cherry Hill Special Ed PTA,” Meloche said at the meeting.
Meloche added the district is looking for parent representatives from every school and as well as out-of-district placements to serve on the new SEPAG. He also added the formation of the group will not mean the end of CHSEPTA.
“It does not do away with Special Ed PTA,” Meloche said. “Special Ed PTA is a PTA. We believe in the value of PTA and we believe in the involvement of PTA.”
Despite Meloche’s comments, a number of residents spoke out in protest of the district’s decision during public comment.
Kim Friddell, vice president of CHSEPTA, debunked Meloche’s earlier statements, saying there is nothing in state law prohibiting CHSEPTA serving as the district’s SEPAG.
A number of speakers requested the board examine the issue and stand up for the parents who were in attendance.
“You are here to represent the community, the parents and the children,” resident Miriam Stern said to the board. “Please, represent the special ed community. Please, challenge what is being told to the special ed community, that all of a sudden, after the special ed community group actually challenges the administration, they are just rendered completely powerless.”
Speaking at the beginning of the public comment period, Naddeo said she had received a request earlier in the day from Meloche and Director of Pupil Services LaCoyya Weathington to have a meeting with CHSEPTA’s executive board.
“Why couldn’t we meet in May of 2017 when we sent a letter to the BOE, Dr. Meloche and the state?” Naddeo asked. “Why couldn’t we meet when we brought this up the last three years at BOE meetings? Why couldn’t we meet after CHSEPTA filed a complaint and then when the state sent the letter? Why couldn’t we have met when CHSEPTA asked for mediation?”
District officials and board members did not respond to any comments from the public at the end of the meeting. Meloche had stated earlier the district has set a deadline of Oct. 12 for interested community members to apply for the district’s new SEPAG, with the first meeting being planned for the end of October. The application form for the SEPAG can be found at www.chclc.org.
