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August 15, 2007
Mr. Peter McWalters
Commissioner of Education
RI Department of Education
255 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02903
Dear Commissioner McWalters:
On August 14, 2007 the Providence School Board voted to request a variance
in Rhode Island Special Education Regulations which, if approved, would increase
class size from 10 to 12 in elementary grades and 10 to 15 in secondary grades
for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
Three community meetings were conducted to gather public comment on the
proposed variance request. Not one person in attendance spoke in favor of
the plan. Everyone recognized the plan as a means to balance next year’s
school budget on the backs of our most needy students.
Among the most significant issues raised by the public were:
- Budgetary constraints should not supersede student need.
- The plan has not been well thought out and will create problems with
collective bargaining agreements, logistics and extra costs associated
with the inadequacy of the present physical plant.
- Present special education classroom space is inadequate to accommodate
an increase in class size.
- Lastly, the Superintendent states there is an external evaluation currently
in progress to assess the effectiveness of its organization and programming.
Where are the results of this external evaluation? Why is the variance
request being submitted before the evaluation is completed? Again, the
issue comes back to one reason and only one reason: Budget.
The Providence School Department has ignored state requirements in Art,
Music and Library services only to receive directives from you ordering their
restoration. Now relief from special education requirements is requested
which will further deprive students in Providence from a quality education.
For these reasons and many more, the Providence Teachers Union strongly
opposes the variance request proposal from the Providence School Board.
Please be advised that I am available to discuss this matter with you at
your earliest possible convenience.
Sincerely,
Steven F. Smith
President
SFS/mmf
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