109 Forming Special Education Committee

Parents of Deerfield Public Schools District 109 students who want to sit on a committee to help determine procedures to assure a full range of services to special needs children now have that opportunity and can apply for membership.

This committee, which will include at least two parents as well as six administrators and six certified staff members, according to provisions set out in the collective bargaining agreement reached in April.

Earlier: Update: Deal Good for Students: Jensen

“We met with the DEA leadership and at this time have identified only one characteristic (for membership),” District 109 Superintendent Renee Goier said. “(The person must be the) parent of a child with an IEP (individual education plan) for at least one year.”

The committee will be selected by Goier and Deerfield Education Association teachers’ union President Dennis Jensen.

“So far it has been a very cooperative environment between us and the administration,” Jensen said. “We want to see what their (potential committee members) experience in special education includes,” he added of perspective members.

Both Goier and Jensen are clear the minimum number of parents is two but there is no upward limit.

“When we met with the DEA, we agreed that we would not limit ourselves to the number of parents on this committee,” Goier said. “I am always hopeful that any committee, especially one involving multiple stakeholders, will help our students and our district.”

Jensen is in agreement there is no maximum number of committee members. “We’ll see what their experience in special education includes,” he said. “It should include people who will add a different perspective.”

People who wish to participate are encouraged by the District to complete a required form and read the appropriate portion of the collective bargaining agreement between the District and the union.

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