Letter: Parent Concerned Over School Turnover, Special Education Responsiveness

To the editor:

I am a long-time resident of our city, and I am writing to express my concern about the . We have a child with a learning disability; that alone is a daily struggle. Unfortunately, we have been left in the hands of Patti White-Lambright. This is a truly concerning situation. I personally left Ms. White-Lambright seven voice mails, with no return calls. I have emailed Joe Casey and incoming Superintendent Cyndi Taymore and am I still struggling to get the help my child is entitled to per his IEP.

If Melrose cannot provide children with learning disabilities with the help the State says they are entitled to (per an IEP), what is happening to the rest of our children?

Why does someone like Patti White-Lambright, who cannot return a phone call or schedule a meeting, get an ? I know I am not the only parent to have this complaint. If Melrose has to “clean house” and start again, I suggest we look at who is left to “run the ship” and start fresh with a whole new staff.

It is not only disheartening, but discouraging to leave our children behind. City Officials should be ashamed. Melrose leaders need to step up, answer questions and find solutions if they want this City, and our children to succeed and prosper.

Sincerely,
Cindy Constantino
East Foster Street