I'm not surprised by any of this. Is ACPS doing anything to rally special ed parents to lobby city council? What about PTAC? School Board Chair Alderton was a special ed teacher. Has she said anything?

ACPS doesn't care about lawsuits from parents. They know they are expensive and take a lot of time. Since all parties in Richmond see Alexandria as a punchline, I doubt that any help will come from there.

So now they have to pay lawyers when parents start suing for breach of federal IEP law instead of just doing their job right the first time?

I had no idea that ACPS allows adult language learners to enroll in school up to age 22! WTF? And I agree about the central office staff and all these "Drs" from diploma mill universities like Strayer and University of Phoenix.

https://www.alxnow.com/2023/03/14/alexandrias-city-council-and-school-board-clash-in-intense-budget-battle/

Anonymous wrote:Watch the joint city council-school baord meeting, on the annual ACPS budget. The council did not fund the amount requested by the school board. The acting superintendent commented that without full funding, ACPS could not meet the requirements of ADA. She admited that ACPS is out of compliance with IDEA, which is the reauthorization of the education of special education students.

I agree, it’s disgusting Council voted to not specifically fund that line item. But, ACPS is also hugely responsible because if it’s massive priority problem.

Watch the joint city council-school baord meeting, on the annual ACPS budget. The council did not fund the amount requested by the school board. The acting superintendent commented that without full funding, ACPS could not meet the requirements of ADA. She admited that ACPS is out of compliance with IDEA, which is the reauthorization of the education of special education students.

ACPS could cut about 25 admin assistants from central office and that would allow about $2 million more to special education. ACPS can also not enroll adult English language learners (a discretionary practice), saving $21k per adult. They want to use special needs students as the sacrificial lambs so they don’t have to cut other things. It’s pretty abhorrent from all sides.

Why isn't this being talked about? The interim superintendent admitted that she is in violation. Why is the city council not fully funding our schools? I am at my wits end with the city council. I want names. Why voted not to fund the ACPS budget?