OH Action Alert: Segregated Schools Use Fear Tactics to Seek Continued Funding

From the Ability Center of Ohio (Feb. 23, 2009):

The below letter appeared in the Stark County Board of MRDD newsletter. Something similar was published in the Canton Register.

Stark County still operates schools within the MRDD System. As they are trying to pass a levy, discussion has transpired about the possible need to close these segregated schools. The writer claims, among other things, that sending students with significant disabilities to the area's public schools would be harmful to those public schools. Read on below...

I realize that most of you are not from or even near the Stark County Ohio area however I think that some very pointed letters from you would be powerful. Please let me know if you are willing and able to do so. This just has to stop! The right to live, work and recreate in the community as adults with disabilities begins with the right to be educated there as well!

*** Take Action ***

Contact the following superintendents and let them know that everyone wins with inclusive education.

Larry Morgan

Superintendent,

Stark County Educational Service Center

2100 38th St. NW

Canton, OH 44709

330-492-8136

 

Mike Miller

Superintendent

Stark County Board of MRDD 

2950 Whipple Ave. NW

Canton, OH 44708

330-477-5200

Letter from Superintendent Morgan: 

Closing Stark MRDD Schools Would Threaten the Public School System.

Here's why:

Dear Dawn,

The financial crisis facing the Stark Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities could have serious consequences for every public school district in the county.

Let me explain. Stark MRDD operates what amounts to an entire school system that educates individuals with mental retardation, developmental disabilities, life-threatening medical conditions, severe behavioral issues, autism, attention deficiet and hyperactivity disorder. These children often begin MRDD programs in infancy and continue through the age of 22.

In addition to providing the best possible service to this vulnerable population, the Stark MRDD school system is the only way vital services cost-effectively.

Here's why: Rebecca Stallman Southgate School and Eastgate Early Childhood and Family Center consolidate the facilities, services and personnel needed to educate individuals with profound disabilities.  This creates economies of scale.  Without Stallman Southgate and Eastgate, students would by law have to be educated through their local public school districts. Imagine the cost to each school of adding special education teachers, medical personnel, therapists and specialized transportation capabilities to serve just a few children.  Some schools might face significant capital expenditures just to make buildings fully accessible. 

At the same time, every local school district is facing its own financial crisis and struggling to provide the best education possible to the county's nearly 63,000 students. Schools cannot afford to take on additional costs.

That, in brief, is why the Stark County Education Service Center and superintendents across the county are supporting Stark MRDD in its effort to keep the schools open.

We hope you will do the same.

Sincerely,
Larry Morgan,
Superintendent
Stark County Educational Service Center

 

Comments

[Debra Exum]

To whom It May Concern:

Segregating adults with disabilities is not
the answer,and costly.They have a right to be educated,live and work in the community
like everyone.Actually,it is an ADA issue and must be addressed.I thank you for your time.

Truly,
Debra Exum