Mansfield Schools Under Fire by Special Ed Watchdog Group

March 30, 2010

 For the second time in about four months, a special education watchdog group picketed the Mansfield public schools’ administrative office Monday, braving pouring rain and heavy winds to protest the school system’s treatment of special education students.

About 18 members of SPEDWatch, a Pepperell-based watchdog group, spent two hours marching around the South Common in the rain, carrying signs with messages like "Mansfield Public Schools – Shame on You."

Ellen Chambers, director and founder of the organization, said Monday’s protest was organized after several Mansfield families contacted the group with complaints about the school system following SPEDWatch’s Nov. 27 demonstration in front of the administration building.

That demonstration was organized after a middle school student alleged a teacher’s aide made a derogatory comment about a special education student.

"After our first demonstration, we started getting calls from Mansfield families," she said. "The fact that these parents stood in the pouring rain and freezing cold tells you that something is very wrong." Monday’s protest focused on complaints from parents of three special education students within the district.

Superintendent Brenda Hodges denied that the school system treats special education students unfairly, but declined to discuss the students individually, citing privacy concerns.

Speaking in general terms, Hodges said plans for special education students are designed by a team of regular education teachers, special education teachers and the student’s parents or guardians.

"The decision is made by the total team," she said.

She said the team approach often leads to the best result for the student, although sometimes parents can become upset if they don’t agree with the team decision.

"Sometimes not everyone will agree to what is best for the student," she said.

The group’s protest was held at the the start a routine state review of Mansfield’s special education, English language and civil rights programs.

Chambers said the decision to hold the protest Monday was intentional.

"We want to send a message to the department of education, as well," she said.