[nfbmi-talk] Fw: and now from arizona

[David Robinson]

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From: joe harcz Comcast 
To: David Robinson NFB MI 
Cc: terry Eagle ; Mark Eagle ; Larry Wanger 
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2015 9:42 AM
Subject: and now from arizona


FUSD Notebook: Board postpones contract decision with Arizona Schools for Deaf and Blind

16 hours ago  •

CORINA VANEK Sun Staff Reporter

(0) Comments

 

The Flagstaff Unified School District governing board agreed to contract with three firms for special education services for the upcoming school year, but

postponed a vote to contract with the Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind Tuesday night.

 

The board named Desert Heights Academy as its first choice vendor, followed by Desert Choice Schools and Special Education Services Inc.

 

According to a report from the district’s selection committee, the district has previously contracted with Desert Heights Academy, particularly for behavioral

and mental health expertise. According to the report, the other two firms both offer services for hearing impaired students, and Desert Choice Schools

also offers services for visually impaired students.

 

However, services for the visually impaired became a point of contention at the meeting after board members were asked to revisit a contract with the Arizona

Schools for the Deaf and Blind less than two months after canceling an agreement with ASDB.

 

The board ended the contract in May after an Arizona Board of Education investigation found the district in violation of the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act. The district was investigated after parents of a visually-impaired student filed complaints that ASDB was destroying their son’s education

records at the end of each school year.

 

Diana Shaum, the director of student support services, said without a contract with ASDB, she was not confident the district would have a provider for the

federally mandated programs in place by the first day of school, which is July 15 for two of the district’s schools.

 

While some board members agreed they were going to have to make a difficult decision, most agreed they needed more time to discuss the plans.

 

“I’m not willing to be held over a barrel by a service provider, no matter who they are,” said board member Paul Kulpinski.

 

The board voted to postpone the vote until a special meeting June 30. Board member Kathryn Kozak was a dissenting vote, for fear postponement might lead

to a gap in services.

 

Source:

 

http://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/fusd-notebook-board-postpones-contract-decision-with-arizona-schools-for/article_385bf539-f3dc-5406-81eb-73c5df25f0e8.html