My posting on Confidential Secretaries has had almost 4 times as many hits as the next one on my "Hit Parade". What does that say about the way Lynn does the business of education?
It seems to me that we have exposed a culture of secrecy, especially in the Special Ed. department where the CS worked. Funny, because in an area where there are probably the most "strings" attached, there seems an abundance of alleged violations. I guess I answered my own question, because if people knew all the secrets there would be still more allegations. Viscous cycle.
In the past, it seems like either hauling them into court or at least issuing a credible threat was the only way to get action. What a waste of resources. The cost is more than the $500 or so legal fees. I also takes us off point, off goal. Instead of education, we think about protection.
Participation is the cheapest, most effective deterrent for prevention of abuse. Parent involvement brings things to light and you know what they say about cockroaches when you turn on the light. It's time for a little solar extermination. With every body's help, "The Watch" shines on.
Depends what you mean by exposure?
ReplyDeleteLets hear more of the good stuff.
You should post the procedure for a parent to follow if their child's needs are not being met. Those $500 an hour lawyers you mention are representing the city of Lynn School Department. A parent that wants representation would have to pay for their own lawyer. Suing or hiring lawyers are the last resort to follow after a number of meetings and talks with teachers and administrators.
ReplyDeleteKaterina, whatever do you mean by the "good stuff".
ReplyDeleteMary, All I did starting out was to write a letter to Dr. Latham. That was followed up by a series of letters to follow up. I would recommend writing to anyone with an address. The Internet is a wonderful thing for mass mailings. Any questions write to this blog, enough people read this blog, I am sure you can get the answers you need and free is a lot cheaper than $500 an hour. Alone we are weak but together we are strong and a force for change.
ReplyDeleteIt is time that the citizens of Lynn know what has been quitely going on in the Lynn Public School system. Exposure is exactly what we need!
ReplyDeleteWhen things are brought forward, all of a sudden people start paying attention.....so keep it coming!
As for an Audit of the Lynn Public School system, it was my understanding that the DESE (Dept. Of Education) was suppose to be auditing all of the records/books last year. I have not heard anything else since then!
I would think that it would take years. Does anyone know about that?
Also, the underperforming schools not only get money, but they are under strict guidelines on how the money can be used and when it should be accomplished. So, we have many things to be looking at here. I think the new figures will be coming out in March/April to show who is performing and who is not......these figures come from the DESE-DOE so it should be interesting....
Dolores DiFillipo
Delores, I actually heard last fall I think that there were actually 5 separate audits going on at that time. I don't know of the specifics or the outcomes. I was interviewed by the somebody. They served a good lunch.
ReplyDeleteAs I sit and read your blog, the "site" visit numbers are slowly rising - almost to 10,000 Stanley. Hip Hip Hooray!
ReplyDeleteThank You, Melissa. With yours and everybody else's help, we can bring the light to what's happening in our school's and educational justice for our children.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea - posting the procedure to go about if your child is not getting what they need. One of your first steps should be to talk to the good people of Lynn PAC, they are the Lynn Parent Advisory Council of Special Education and they really know their stuff. They meet the first and third Monday of every month at the Community Room down on 10 Church Street (Lynn Housing) at 7:00pm. Last month they had a really informative training on IEP Basic Rights, it was presented by a lawyer from The Federation for Children with Special Needs.
Good comment A. I've been trying to get there myself but life keeps getting in the way.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the PAC....can provide you with all the regulations, laws and guidelines that the LPS should be following. It is also a good place to share and compare your situations in a safe and comfortable place.
ReplyDelete