Investigator To Meet With Parents Of Darien Special Ed Students

DARIEN, Conn. -- Darien Board of Education independent investigator Sue Gamm will be on-hand to speak to parents in October about the district's special education policies and practices.

Darien Schools Superintendent Stephen Falcone and the Board of Education heard residents' thoughts on special education in August. Parents are invited to discuss district policy on special education in October.
Photo Credit: *File Photo*

by Nathan Bruttell

10/01/2013 4:30 a.m.

The parents-only meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Board of Education meeting room at 35 Leroy Ave.

Gamm is set to share information with parents "relevant to the investigation into special education/Section 504 practices, policies and/or procedures," according to a press release from the district. Gamm, who is an attorney, has indicated that the meeting is "open to parents of those exited or denied services during the SRBI and referral process," according to the release.

Darien’s Board of Education previously held a public hearing to discuss the complaints about the district’s special education program filed earlier this year. The public hearing was one part of the plan approved by the school board in July in response to the state Department of Education’s investigation into Darien’s special education program.

The state found that some of the district’s policy documents had information that was “inconsistent with the requirements of IDEA,” the federal law outlining special education programs. Specifically, the program had incorrect information regarding parental involvement with developing students education plans.

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