At a special meeting on Monday, July 29 at 6:00 p.m., the Wynantskill Union Free School District Board of Education hired two consultants who will provide an independent review of concerns voiced by the teachers’ union and community members.
“Our teachers’ union and parents have raised many questions about our school,” said Board of Education President Andrea Paone. “In order to provide answers to their questions, the Board believes we need outside consultants to provide independent reviews of the school’s human resources and educational programs.”
The Board contacted educational organizations seeking the names of qualified and experienced consultants—one to examine the district’s Human Resources practices and the other the Special Education and Response to Intervention programs.
The consultants will start this summer with work to be completed as soon as possible. Based on the findings, the Board would decide what further actions to take. Ms. Paone asked for the community’s patience while the district undertakes this process.
“We want to be objective and focus only on the facts,” said Ms. Paone. “Studies led by anyone within our district, even us as Board members, might not appear impartial. We want this to be completely aboveboard and unbiased.”
The Human Resources Study will include interviews of community members, teachers, staff, Board members and administrators. The consultant will introduce the process at the district’s regular August 15 board meeting and provide updates at subsequent public board meetings.
The Special Education and Response to Intervention study will review those programs and analyze Individualized Education Plan documentation. Consultants will also report on compliance with regulations and offer recommendations to improve the programs.
“Our hope is that these studies will answer the questions and help us continue to improve education for our Wynantskill students,” said Ms. Paone. Posted 7/30/13.
*copied from http://www.wynantskillufsd.org/index.php