BREAKING NEWS: School board accepts report

Special education remedies sought for turnover, morale.

By: Steve Feitl
   The Lawrence Board of Education accepted its subcommittee’s report on special education at its meeting Wednesday evening.
   The report, which documents a high turnover of special education staff members and a low morale throughout the district, sets in place an action plan for the administration to improve the department. Among the suggestions are the creation of exit surveys for departing staff members and plans for improving communication in the department.
   The board members were appreciative of the work completed by the subcommittee since it was created last November in response to heavy criticism of the department.
   Audience members Wednesday evening were also largely thankful for the effort.
   However, some residents were disappointed to hear about the information contained in the report.
   "I find the report appalling," said Lawrence resident Joyce Copleman.
   Meanwhile, others acknowledged that while there is much work still to be done, confirming the problems was a positive for the administration.
   "I hope this is just the beginning," said Child Study Team member Debbie Endo.
For full coverage of the special education report and the board’s reaction to it, see the May 22, 2003, edition of The Lawrence Ledger.