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Former FCPS student tells CCAC home‑hospital limits blocked her graduation; urges stronger rules
Summary
At the Nov. 17 CCAC meeting a former Middletown student recounted prolonged hospitalizations and told committee members that Frederick County Public Schools limited home‑hospital credits, which she said prevented her from graduating on time. Presenters urged clearer rules and expanded access for chronically ill students.
Eileen, a former Middletown student, told the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee on Nov. 17 that prolonged hospital stays and restrictive home‑hospital credit limits kept her from graduating with her class. "There was absolutely no reason" she said, describing repeated nine‑month hospitalizations and an official limit of two credits per semester for home‑hospital instruction that she said left her short by seven credits.
Her former home‑hospital teacher, Sarah Schonkwiler, who identified herself as working with Frederick County Public Schools, said administrators repeatedly told the student to drop out and questioned the legitimacy of her illnesses. "They said she just needs to drop out," Schonkwiler said, describing remarks at IEP meetings that she said were dismissive and harmful.
Both speakers urged the committee and district staff to consider stronger, clearer policies for home‑hospital instruction so students with chronic medical needs can stay on track academically. Schonkwiler framed the issue as one of long‑term opportunity: "The non‑rules that we impose on teachers and students impact the entire rest of their lives." Eileen said she chose advocacy over litigation because she wanted systemic change rather than a financial settlement.
Associate Superintendent of Special Education Dr. Bingman thanked the presenters and told the committee he would follow up. "I will be reaching out to you," he said, and pledged to review processes and procedures to identify where the district can improve.
Why it matters: CCAC members said these firsthand accounts illuminate gaps in policy and practice for students who are intermittently or continuously home‑hospitalized. Committee members asked staff for statistics on how many blind or visually impaired students are served and whether students with such needs are included in co‑teaching programs. The testimony will be available to CCAC as it finalizes recommendations to the Board of Education on Dec. 10.
Next steps: Dr. Bingman said staff would follow up with presenters; CCAC members encouraged attendees to bring the committee additional examples and documentation so the committee can include language and recommendations when it briefs the Board in December.
