March 19, 2009
Contact: Gordon Hickey
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Cell Phone: (804) 291-8977
Internet: www.governor.virginia.gov www.doe.virginia.gov
~ Board of Education Response Addresses Governor’s Concerns ~
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today concluded his review of the State Board of Education’s proposed revisions to special education regulations. Numerous parents expressed concerns over the original proposal, which would have reduced parental involvement in decisions about the education of their children with disabilities. At the Governor’s direction, and in response to citizen concerns, the Board has made significant changes and the revisions now strike an appropriate balance between all competing interests.
“More than 2,000 parents spoke up during the regulatory process, and the Board of Education listened carefully,” Governor Kaine said. “The revised regulations are a result of that honest and useful dialogue and I am delighted that the parents will retain their prominent role in deciding on the proper educational path for their children.”
“After nine public hearings and weighing comments from thousands of parents and other interested citizens, the Board made more than 125 changes to the original draft, and as a result, Virginia’s special education regulations will continue to provide protections that significantly exceed federal requirements,” Board of Education President Mark E. Emblidge said.
Governor Kaine’s endorsement allows the revised regulations to advance to the final stages of the procedure defined by the Virginia Administrative Process Act. The regulations are available on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall.
