District 300 special education director resigns

Parents of special-needs students in Community Unit District 300 are losing a friend and advocate.

Laura Frankiewicz, who as director of pupil personnel services helped establish a support group for special-needs parents, is resigning her post this month.

East Dundee resident Judy Ruffulo, who helped create the parent support group, said the program is a testament to Frankiewicz's devotion to special-needs children.

"She kind of blazed a trail with it because a lot of districts - don't have the kind of support we have in the district," Ruffulo said. "She's amazing. It's really sad to see her go."

On July 1, Frankiewicz will become the regional director of the Northwestern Illinois Association, a cooperative that serves kids and young adults with special needs.

Barbara Kelley, assistant superintendent for student services in Northwest Suburban High School District 214, will take over Frankiewicz's post on the same day.

Frankiewicz was hired in 1994 and attained her current post in 2002.

"She has served the district extremely well," Superintendent Ken Arndt said. "She is - an advocate for special-needs children and their parents. Because of her advocacy, we have one of the strongest parent support groups."

Frankiewicz said her decision to leave District 300 was difficult and that she is proud of her efforts to reach out to parents of special-needs children.

"I think it has given parents a lot of support," Frankiewicz said. "They feel there is someone there to listen to them."