Elizabeth Renzullo

As a mother of two children who have gone through the special education process, I am writing to express my support for HB121. This bill addresses a critical gap in our education system by providing parents with a dedicated direct connection between parents and schools, ensuring families like mine have a voice in how our children are educated. From my personal experience, this type of support is absolutely essential. Parents navigating the special education process often face unique challenges that are not easily understood by those without similar experiences. Our lives are not "typical"—our time is limited, our days unpredictable, and our focus often split between immediate educational needs and long-term planning for our children's futures. One concern I have, however, is the method by which these parent councils are established. Councils composed solely of individuals already involved in existing school programs are unlikely to meet the needs of the families this initiative is meant to serve. Parents like myself, who are already stretched thin, may not have the bandwidth to engage with a council that feels inaccessible or disconnected from the reality of raising children with special needs. Additionally, a council led by school or district employees may inadvertently reinforce existing biases or approaches that do not fully reflect the diverse perspectives and needs of parents. True change requires a fresh perspective and the courage to explore approaches that challenge the status quo. For this reason, I urge the inclusion of an impartial mediator or leader, independent from the school, to ensure the council’s efforts remain balanced and focused on the families it serves. Parents of children with special needs deserve a voice, and children deserve advocates who understand their unique journeys. HB121 has the potential to provide these resources and bridge the gap between families and schools. I strongly encourage the thoughtful creation of these councils to ensure they are effective, inclusive, and representative of the families they are meant to support.