North Branford Town Council Hears Concerns on the Education Front

After the Town Council denied the North Branford Police Department's request for new vehicles at the Sept. 20 meeting, several points on education were discussed.

Special Education

North Branford mother Kristin Graham expressed her frustration over the North Branford education system's special needs program.

"I am extremely disappointed. I have a son with special needs, I've been through all the special channels from the bottom to the top since he was three, I've been advocating for him and I can't get what he needs," said Graham. "I can't get the proper education he deserves.

"This is where I live, this is where I grew up, this is where I went to school...but at this point, as of today I can't send him back because he has special needs and they need to be addressed," she added. "My son is in a mainstream class, he doesn't belong there. His learning is interrupted and the learning of 18 other kids in his class is interrupted because he has sensory issues and he shouldn't be in a class of more than five. They gave him temporary enrollment in special education but not permanent. This is a call for a permanent special education program."

Graham added that she has hired a lawyer and that a Yale doctor is advocating for her free of charge, but that it all seems to have been in vain.

"I think in three years the superintendent has called me back three times," said Graham.

Town Attorney John Gesmonde responded by saying the council doesn't have the power to tell the Board of Education what to do, but he advised Graham to seek council.

"This may not be the answer you want to hear, but there is a statutory appeal process," said Gesmonde. "If you feel their [Board of Education] response is not correct, that can go all the way to court. This is probably the only way you're going to get your voice heard and see direct results. Your lawyer should call the school board lawyer to make these concerns known."

Stanley T. Williams Building Project

The has suggested Salamone and Associates for the next phase of the Stanley. T William's building project. The council decided they should hear a presentation from Salamone and Associates at the next council meeting.

Board of Ed Audit

The council voted to put out a request for proposals of a forensic auditor to audit the BOE. The council agreed that, due to the board's recent indiscretions, it would be appropriate to audit the current members' practices.

While councilman Joseph Faughnan suggested asking the current town auditor to review the BOE's activities in order to avoid any extra expenditures, councilman Andrew Esposito said that the town should hire an unknown to avoid using an auditor who "has already made alliances."

Esposito did add, "I think it is highly unlikely you will find any unlawful activities."

Councilwoman Rose Angeloni suggested that the scope of the proposed audit be established, while councilman Esposito suggested that the town attorney give the council guidance in the matter.

Auditorium Reimbursement

The BOE requested that the $10,300 it spent repairing the sound system in the auditorium be reimbursed from the $40,000 net gain from auditorium use. The council voted to table the issue until the next meeting where BOE representatives should be present to give more information on the matter.