Karin Cevasco

Dear Members of the House Education Policy and Administration Committee: Thank you for this opportunity to write in opposition to HB 1221. New Hampshire has worked hard to build public schools and classrooms that are inclusive of all students and their individual needs. Creating a centralized location for students with intense special needs is isolating to both the student and the family. Students belong in their neighborhood school to engage with their local community and receive their education in the Least Restrictive Environment. One solution to consider in researching economies of scale related to special education is regional hiring centers. These centers could hire speech pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, and other special education providers who could travel to public schools and public charter schools in the region on a schedule that meets the needs of each student. While I believe finding cost saving solutions is essential, I oppose HB 1221 because children should remain in their neighborhood school.