The Board of Regents, recognizing that local school districts are in financial straits and seeking to reduce their financial burden, has proposed changes to New York State law that would narrow parental rights in the special education process and decrease school district's legal obligations to parents. On May 16, 2011 the Regents indicated its support for the NYS Education Department to seek public comment on various proposals in anticipation of either proposing statutory changes or adopting new regulations. Three public hearings have been scheduled to allow an opportunity for public comment, as follows:
New York City - June 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
Rochester - June 28, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
Albany - June 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
For more information about these public hearings visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/policy/mandaterelief-publichearing611.htm.
Details of these proposed changes will be discussed in the next blog post.