Finally, I would like to comment on the VDOE's apparent willingness to listen to almost all of the concerns on special education administrators and school districts  when drafting the regulations, while at the same time ignoring the voices of those with disabilities and their representatives.  In particular, I draw your attention to an article at http://www.styleweekly.com/article.asp?idarticle=17165 in which the VDOE spokesman Charles Pyle is quoted as saying " there's every reason to trust that school districts have the best interest of their students at the forefront of their decision-making. If a child needs a service in order to get a fair public education, they'll get it, he says."

 

Unfortunately, experience in Virginia is that this is not true and that many school districts do not focus on children getting the services they need to receive a free and appropriate education, which is why the need for strong and equitable regulations is so needed.  Parents are left wondering about the intent of school districts and the VDOE when in the same article, a lawyer who represents many school districts is quoted as saying "Parents can handle administrative hearings and court cases," she says. "Many of the parents enjoy engaging in the legal disputes. A lot of them are lawyers"   (emphasis added).  I know of NO parent who enjoys engaging in legal disputes with school districts when trying to ensure their child's rights are protected.   It is a shame that some of those who represent school divisions apparently seem more intent on promoting legal battles and increasing their legal billings than promoting the rights of those with disabilities.