Prince George's County board addresses outdated special education policies

The Board of Education Disability Issues Advisory Board convened on May 20, 2025, to address critical challenges facing students with disabilities within the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS). The meeting focused on the limitations of existing policies and the need for updates to better support these students.

The session began with a discussion led by board member Miss Patrick, who highlighted that the current policy does not adequately address the challenges faced by students with disabilities, particularly regarding hiring practices and building accessibility. This sentiment was echoed by other board members, including Miss Bridal, who emphasized the importance of ensuring that the board's efforts do not overlap with those of the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (CCAC).

Miss Smith raised concerns about the limited scope of the CCAC, noting that it operates under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and may not fully address the broader issues affecting students with disabilities. She cautioned against relying solely on the CCAC, as its voluntary nature could leave students vulnerable if the committee were to disband or face delays in regrouping.

The discussion also revealed that many of the policies referenced in the current framework are outdated, with some dating back to 1990, despite updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 2010. Miss Vickery pointed out that relying on such outdated regulations puts PGCPS at risk and called for immediate action to revise these policies.

Several members expressed frustration over the slow progress in addressing these issues, with Miss Vickery sharing her personal experiences advocating for her son over the past 40 years. She and other members stressed the urgency of implementing effective policies to support students with disabilities, emphasizing that it should not take decades to achieve necessary changes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from board members to push for policy updates and ensure that the review process for existing regulations is reinstated. Miss Smith confirmed that there is a timetable for policy reviews, but noted that the specific policy in question had been deactivated, which hindered its progress.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's determination to enhance support for students with disabilities and the need for timely updates to policies that directly impact their education and well-being. The board plans to continue its efforts in the upcoming meetings, aiming for significant improvements in the near future.