Schools 'Looking Into' Complaints Against SpEd Staff: Reports

GUILFORD, CT — Noting it may give its opinion but cannot "launch an investigation," the Guilford Human Rights Commission last week discussed complaints from "concerned parents" about "discrimination and intimidation" in the Guilford Public Schools' Pupil Services Special Education Program.

According to meeting minutes, commission chair Jo Keogh said she had gotten anonymous letters about "problems dating back a decade in the Special Education program."

Keogh said that while the Commission cannot take any action, it could, and did, bring it to the attention of the Guilford Board of Education, according to the minutes. Careful to not wade into waters where the Commission has no jurisdiction or standing, Keogh highlighted the letters — around 10 of which were forwarded to the board — "to make sure the concerns are not buried by the school administration."

The New Haven Register reported the complaints were dated from Jan. 31 to March 8, 2022, and alleged that special education "staff bullies parents and changes Individualized Educational Programs without parental knowledge."

The Register report noted that the complaint letters were penned by "parents and grandparents (and) detailed families’ alleged experiences with pupil services concerning getting students evaluated, advocating for services and educational plans, and students allegedly not receiving an appropriate education."

A number of the anonymous complaint letters were also detailed in the Register report.

Schools Superintendent Paul Freeman told the paper he'd be "looking into" the matter, but added that it's "very difficult to respond to anonymous letters or concerns."