We need to find a way to cooperatively deal with it. Administrators and some committee members said they support the test because it requires higher standards for all students. I'm opposed to it. Committee member Olen A. Bielski asked if the state could develop a system similar to New York's, which offers three different diplomas, depending on whether students pass its state exam. School Committee members said one of the biggest problems facing them is special education.
Some regulations rob control from local districts, which have to pay for private schools.
Tuition is stressing school budgets, said Richard M. Cunningham, assistant superintendent for students. There were also concerns about changes in special education laws that ban children who have behavior problems from being defined as disabled and eliminate any state funding to educate them. The regulations also require all students to be taught in the least restrictive environment. This year, the school department proposed starting an alternative school for its younger students with behaviorial or emotional problems, but scrapped the idea because it was too expensive. Used with permission.