Legislators were unhappy with the academic performance of deaf and blind students attending schools run by the state Department of Health and Human Services, so they transferred control of those schools to the state Department of Public Instruction.
But State Board of Education Chairman Bill Harrison wants to give back the schools to the DHHS. Harrison said this week he'll meet with legislative leaders to talk about the transfer, because he does not think the DPI has the resources or experience to run the three special schools.
The state has two residential schools for deaf children, one in Morganton and one in Wilson. The Governor Morehead School for the Blind is in Raleigh. The DHHS is investigating the Morganton school after allegations that the school's director covered up instances of student abuse.
The education department would be happy to work with the DHHS on academic issues, Harrison said, but control of the schools should stay with the health department.
Reversing the transfer would take some work. Legislators would have to pass a new law.
Legislators eliminated the DHHS Office of Education Services, which oversees the schools, and the people who work there are looking for new jobs.
Comments
DPI has over 2,500 deaf/hard of hearing students
August 9, 2010 - 10:42pm — deafpunditOOHH please!!! Mr. Harrison thinks that DPI lacks the resources and cannot provide the services to Deaf/Hard of Hearing students? How come there are over 2,500 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students at public schools UNDER DPI?
If Mr. Harrison thinks this way, then send those students to Deaf schools.
About the Residential Schools
August 9, 2010 - 4:28pm — CookieToddoMr. Harrison,
These three residential schools are not like mental hospitals, mentally challenged institutions, nor social services. These three schools are schools with dormitories, like NCSSM, residential high school for juniors and seniors that provides a specialized curriculum in the areas of math, science and technology.
Legislators eliminated the DHHS Office of Education Services, wh
August 8, 2010 - 10:33am — CookieToddoMr. Harrison,
Are you worrying about these people - the Office of Education Services? First and foremost, I worry about the deaf children and the blind children. Secondly, there are deaf and hard of hearing people working at the two schools for the deaf and some blind people at GMS. They are the children's role models. The Office of Education Services does not have one person in its office who is deaf, hard of hearing, nor blind person. The office does not reflect the true advocate for the hearing impaired nor the blind.
deafpundit
August 7, 2010 - 10:04am — CookieToddoNicely said, deafpundit !
DPI has a agency specializing in special education
August 7, 2010 - 8:49am — deafpunditIt is ludicrous to know that Mr. Harrison said that DPI lacks resources even though the department has an agency specializing on students with special needs. Obviously, he is not a true educator who accepts challenges. There are some deaf/hard of hearing students from DPI transferring to the schools for the deaf.
Remember the famous motto, "If there is a will, there is a way." It implies that Mr. Harrison lacks his will to find a way. Keep three schools under DPI and it will go smoothly in long run.
State ed board chairman objects to deaf/blind school takeover
August 7, 2010 - 7:39am — CookieToddoaaaaahhh! I can't believe this! It seems like no one wants the deaf/hard of hearing and as well as blind children. Many schools for the deaf and schools for the blind in other states are under the Board of Education (like the Department of Public Education). The legislators had worked hard and they decided it is in the best interests for the three residential schools be placed under the DPI's umbrella and hired a new superintendent that knows how to run residential schools. I say to the State of Education, accept the challenge! argggh!