SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
In response to recent criticism in the press of the district’s handling of special education, several parents came to Monday night’s Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting to voice support for Supt. James A. Fleming and Special Education Director Doreen Lohnes. There were also a few dissenting voices from parents and members of PACE, a special education advocacy group.
“Far from giving up on our special needs children . . . Lohnes is the untiring champion of our children,” said Susan Baker, adding that her autistic son, Paul Adam, has made major progress through the district’s autism program.
Others said the district was less responsive. One mother with two young sons in special education said Fleming “makes it clear that special education takes away money from regular education” and that he creates an “us versus them” mentality.
“It is difficult and painful to be viewed as anti-special education,” Fleming said Tuesday..
He said the $11-million shortfall this year for special education is the fault of the federal government, which has not kept its commitment to programs. He said parents should unite with the district and march on Washington to get the money for special education programs.
In the meantime, the district is organizing a meeting with parents to discuss the issue.
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