Tonight, the schools superintendent reversed himself and withdrew his recommendation that M’s program should be moved. Moved, from the school that was built to accommodate her and her classmates (suspended equipment, bathrooms in the classrooms). Moved, from the school where she’s comfortable – the kids and staff know and accept her. Moved, from the school where she is finally settled after 12 moves in 4.5 years (including construction and summer school – but still!)
It’s not all good. M’s program is staying, but other children will have to move, because the school is full and there’s not enough room for next year’s projections. The parents whose children will move are upset, and – I was surprised by this – there are parents whose children are at the target school as part of open enrollment, who are afraid they will get forced out. This is overhang from the redistricting 2 years ago… always a messy business.
In the end, all we can do is advocate for our own children.
P.S. I’ve just found the reference for the headline quote, and it’s yucky. I’m using it anyway.