October 6, 1998

Sharon School Committee
Ms. Linda Lurie, Chair
One School Street
Sharon, MA 02067

Re: Special Education space concerns

Dear Ms. Lurie:

This past summer, parents involved with SSEPAC participated in the Long Range Space Needs Committee. This committee did its homework, studied the options, and came up with good alternatives for the school committee to review and assess. It was very important for SSEPAC to be involved, because there were several times that special education space concerns were overlooked. This participation ensured these concerns were reflected and well represented.

This council understands and sees the overcrowding in the Sharon Public Schools. All of our children live with it. The School Committee needs to be aware that SSEPAC is monitoring those space needs that have been cut in the last two years. With overcrowding as it is, we understand the issues, the reasons for the decisions that have been made, and why the special education space landscape is as it stands. The space crunch relative to special education spaces can only be acceptable as short term. By short term, this means only for this academic year. We must find other short term alternatives that provide adequate meeting and resource spaces for these students. The town of Sharon is perilously close to noncompliance to state and federal requirements and laws. These aspects are very troubling and this council will continue to monitor the spaces and their attrition or unsuitable relocation’s (i.e., to basements or very confined spaces).

The long range space needs alternatives are very well thought out, but they are for the long range and do not address current concerns and critical space needs for special education students.

Officers of this council and many concerned parents need the School Committee to understand that these issues remain pressing. We request your ongoing efforts in finding acceptable solutions.

Yours truly,

Attached: signatures

CC: SSEPAC

T. LaGrasta