Parent Questions Pending Relocation of D205 Special Education Students

Letter to the editor written and submitted by Dianne Fischer Falco.

This is my son, Mark. He happens to have Down Syndrome, and attends Field School.

We received a note in his backpack, the Friday before Thanksgiving, from asst sup. Kathleen Kosteck, that his classroom (the instructional class) will be relocated across town next year to Emerson.

After re-reading the letter, trying to understand why District 205 made this decision without even discussing with parents and teachers, I and other Field parents spoke with Kosteck. She could not provide me, or any other parent, the reason for ripping our most vulnerable kids away from their friends, environment, and teachers they’ve come to love and have worked so hard to reach their goals. Their Field School family.

They have provided us -zero- information. The School District is NOT being transparent about A LOT OF ISSUES.

We ask that you please come to the board meeting (Jan 12th). Read what’s on Elmhurst emoms and Elmhurst eparents on Facebook.

Get involved. They have hired a consulting firm called District Management Council, which could really spell out trouble for our schools, and especially our most vulnerable. Decisions are being made that are not student based, but $$district based. We have to have answers.

This is a picture of my son, Mark. Mark is sitting on the steps of the D205 Little School House, that his Great Grandfather, Monroe Fischer sold (or shall I say gifted) back to D205 for $1. His GG Aunt Esther Fischer (in pic he is holding) was a teacher at that school, as well as Churchville. His Grandfather, James Fischer, is a founding member of Churchville Historical Society. His 4X Great Grandfather was Conrad Fischer.

My Mark comes from GENERATIONS of a family which has supported D205. Now, they are going to fail the youngest, most vulnerable one...with no answers. Shame on you D205! These kids need you the most!

This letter originally appeared on the Elmhurst Patch Facebook page.