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Parents allege understaffing and safety lapses in Delaware Valley special-education classrooms; board requests cost estimate
Summary
Multiple parents told the Delaware Valley School District board that understaffing in MDS/special-education classrooms is leaving students without required IEP services and unsafe; one parent alleged her nonverbal child was "physically hit" by staff. The board asked administration for a districtwide cost estimate and said it will consider a special-education committee.
Multiple parents and guardians used the board’s public-comment period to tell the Delaware Valley School District board that chronic understaffing in special-education (MDS) classrooms has left some students without required services, socialization and adequate supervision.
At the meeting, William Marcolano described what parents characterize as a districtwide staffing problem. Jenna Gallano said staff shortages have been ongoing for more than a month and that parents had tried to resolve the matter with building-level staff and the director of special education without a satisfactory meeting with district leadership.
Megan Wright said, “My son who has special needs … he was physically hit by a staff member at the school,” and described delays in communication and a lack of clarity about how the district will prevent future incidents. Christina Meininger,…
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