Parents talk out special needs in Dist. 158

Educators in Huntley Unit District 158 got an earful from parents Thursday on what's working - and what's not - in the district's special education program.

Thursday night was the first meeting of the district's new advisory group for special education parents.

The district created the group after parents of special-needs students expressed concern over departing staff and the district's plans to spend federal stimulus money earmarked for special education on other areas.

The roughly 20 mothers who attended spent much of the meeting clarifying the purpose of the advisory group, finally deciding that it should be a partnership between parents and District 158 staff.

"We want to be a partner," said Sara DiFucci, a mother of a special-needs child. "We feel our kids are being failed in many areas."

Parents identified many areas where they believed the district's special education program was lacking.

They proposed longer summer school, better communication, more staff development, a mentor program for parents and more partnerships with community organizations that serve people with special needs.

The departure of three top special education staffers, including Special Services Director Meg Schnoor, was on the minds of many parents.

"They listened to us. They did not dismiss us with platitudes," said Anne Ledwitch of Lake in the Hills. "It was refreshing to deal with people who are straight shooters."

The administration has selected finalists for the director and assistant director positions and plans to present the candidates to the board for consideration next week, said Terry Awrey, associate superintendent.

Parents also noted the strengths of the program: its staff, the process whereby each student receives a personalized learning plan, and the creation of the advisory group.

"I think the intent is there to do the right thing," Ledwitch said.

Parents: Advisory group proposes longer summer school, better communication