Parent Advocates Demand Action on Special Education Issues in School District

The Attleboro School Committee meeting on April 7, 2025, featured a passionate address from a parent advocating for improved transparency and accountability in the district's special education services. The speaker criticized the district for its lack of response to ongoing settlement negotiations and for delaying investigations by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

The parent urged families involved in the Project Success program to file complaints regarding classroom conditions, asserting that misinformation had been spread by the school committee. They emphasized that the district's refusal to provide public records and its attempts to avoid compliance with federal laws were unethical and illegal. The speaker highlighted their success in appealing previous public records requests, which the district had contested.

Concerns were raised about the treatment of students with disabilities, including claims that the district was denying doctor-approved diagnoses to avoid creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The parent called for other families to report similar experiences to DESE, stressing the importance of advocacy for children's rights.

The speaker also criticized a committee member's comments made on a radio show, which they deemed disrespectful to autistic individuals. They expressed frustration over the district's lack of action and called for community members to consider running for school committee positions in the upcoming November elections, urging parents to take an active role in advocating for better educational conditions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored significant concerns regarding special education practices in Attleboro, with a clear call to action for parents to engage in the electoral process to drive change within the school system.