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Parent says Groton denied timely special-education supports; another parent thanks staff
Summary
At the July 27 board meeting, Marcy Seaglick detailed delays and denied services for her child in special education while Liz Baumgartner thanked district staff for collaborative supports for her son with profound autism.
Two members of the public used the board's comment period to give sharply different accounts of special-education services in Groton.
Marcy Seaglick told the board she repeatedly sought assessments and accommodations for her child but said services were delayed until 10th grade and that transition planning near graduation did not include practical options. "We spent years advocating for my son and fighting for services that should have been considered much earlier," she said, urging the board to review the district's special-education practices. The speaker said an independent evaluation recommended outplacement but that was not practical for the family at graduation.
By contrast, Liz Baumgartner, a parent who said her son has profound autism, thanked Groton Public Schools and singled out Denise Doolittle and special-education staff for the supports that allowed her son to thrive. "Thank you for investing in children with complex needs," Baumgartner said, noting collaborative placements and staff dedication. Board members acknowledged both perspectives and requested the superintendent or designee follow up and report back to the board after staff review.
