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Parent cites federal regulation, files complaint over services; foundation invites board to leadership academy graduation
Summary
During public comment an area parent, Caroline Kremkowski, alleged SSD denied services required under federal regulation 300.139 and said she filed a child complaint; Tim Eby of the Special Education Foundation described the Fred Tsai Leadership Academy graduation and student-led autism summit.
A parent raised federal-compliance concerns about special-education services and an SSD-affiliated nonprofit highlighted student leadership programs during public comment at the Special School District of St. Louis County’s April business meeting.
Caroline Kremkowski told the board she had submitted an email and later accepted an in-person apology from Superintendent Dr. Macklin but remains concerned about staff knowledge of federal rules and where to find them. She said her child, placed in a private school, was unable to access certain services (including transportation and related SNAP services) because of location and timing; she cited “federal regulation 300.139,” said she filed a child complaint with the Office of Nonpublic Education, and asked the district to follow federal guidance ahead of the district’s monitoring cycle.
Superintendent Dr. Macklin acknowledged receipt of Kremkowski’s email and stated the district had a process for addressing personnel-related complaints and that the meeting was not the forum to discuss individual personnel matters. Board members asked for a written copy of Kremkowski’s statement to ensure the board can review the specific regulations she referenced.
Earlier in the public-comment period Tim Eby, executive director of the Special Education Foundation, thanked the board for placing the Fred Tsai Leadership Academy graduation on the board calendar and described the program’s 22nd year, student leadership work, and a recent autism summit at Riverview Gardens High School. Eby invited board members to the upcoming graduation and provided a printed program to the board.
The district did not take formal action on Kremkowski’s complaint during the meeting; she said she hoped for a peaceful resolution for her child and others in similar situations.
