Meeting launches special ed HSA

The 20-or-so parents who filled the Hillsborough Middle School Media Center Nov. 28, sat in groups of five and six at the center’s square tables, hammering out plans that could lead to the launch of a home-school associat

By Eileen Oldfield Staff Writer
   As parents of special education students in Hillsborough schools, they were meeting with special education administrators to organize a parents group to help support their children’s classrooms and possibly advocate for programs at the Board of Education.
   The school district’s Special Services Department organized the meeting, as required by the state’s Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. Though the law requires district administrators to meet with parents, it does not specify the number or frequency of the meetings, discussion topics, or setup.
   The school administrators could simply meet with parents once a year; however, both Special Services Director Leonore Johnston and Special Services Supervisor Donna Landon said they prefer a partnership between parents and administrators.
   ”We want to start a dialogue about forming a parent group that’s ultimately guided by parents,” said Ms. Landon. “The planning and structure were conceived as running like a home and school association.”
   While Ms. Johnston and Ms. Landon consider the group as being similar to a parent-teacher organization, the parents would guide the group, and the scope could change based on the parents’ desires.
   ”I hope it develops into a real partnership,” said Ms. Johnston. “I think partnership is really key. It represents what I’d like to see in this group.”
   After breaking into groups to brainstorm on the group’s structure, the parents agreed on several points — the group needed an executive board, representatives from each district school, and committees for specific areas, including teacher involvement, social events, and communications.
   Though parents mentioned fundraising strategies that would allow the group to host workshops and events, they decided to establish the group before concentrating on making money. The committee areas and meeting schedule have not been determined yet, though the group hopes to finalize them in the coming months.
   Several parents in the group agreed that the group should focus on outreach to parents new to the special education program.
   ”I think it’s very useful to have this in the community,” said Diane Dieterman. “A lot of us here have people that we go to. It’s going to be helpful to have this for people.”
   ”I want to put myself in a position to help someone else going through the process,” said Marty Mayes.
   Other parents wanted to concentrate on the special education curriculum and programs within the school, and include delegates to the district office and the Board of Education.
   To join the parent group or receive news about the group’s next meeting, contact Donna Landon at 908 874-3420, option 1, ext. 6008, or send e-mail to [email protected].