CLARENCE, N.Y. (WKBW) — Clarence Central Schools has proposed relocating specialized education classes, a move some parents say was made without their input and could negatively affect students with special needs.
One parent, Becky Radigan, said her son has autism and will be impacted by these changes.
"These children are working so incredibly hard to try to reach their peers and to be able to eventually integrate into the general education population," parent Becky Radigan said. "If the district puts in this unnecessary hurdle in front of them, they will be set back and have severe regressions."
The school district sent the following email to families:
"With an understanding that all student needs are individual and unique and will be reviewed through the CSE process, the potential implication for your child's program is highlighted:
We will be making the following transitions over the next few years:
2025-26: Incoming and current kindergarten students in the 8:1:1 program will transition from Sheridan Hill to Clarence Center.
2026-27: 2nd grade students in the 8:1:1 program will transition from Sheridan Hill to Clarence Center.
2026-27: The current 8:1:2 behavioral support program will relocate from Clarence Center to Ledgeview.
2028-2029: Final year any students in the 8:1:1 program will attend Sheridan Hill, full 8:1:1 program will be located at Clarence Center in 2029-2030."
At Monday's Board of Education meeting, Radigan told members it did not make sense to remove her son from a specialized program designed to support him.
"I'm hoping that as a result of tonight's meeting, our voices will be heard. The parents will be heard," she explained. "We weren't consulted or asked how we think that this change will impact our family and our children. I hope that they see, collectively, parents do not want this move to happen."
Clarence Central Schools Superintendent Matt Frahm said this was a private issue, but he is willing to speak with families.
