PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dr. Sara Fredman Aeder, Vice President of Israel and Jewish Affairs at JCRC of New York on Special Education Services Administration
5:25:58
ยท
110 sec
Dr. Sara Fredman Aeder from JCRC of New York addresses recent changes to Special Education Services Administration, emphasizing the need to prioritize students' access to essential services while ensuring proper oversight of public funds. She calls for concrete steps to address challenges in the system and offers JCRC's support in facilitating dialogue between DOE and schools.
- Highlights the strain on schools caught between meeting urgent student needs and navigating complex reimbursement processes
- Requests city council to ensure DOE has sufficient resources to address backlogs and establish a comprehensive plan for timely processing of future requests
- Advocates for a clear appeals process for families who missed deadlines without requiring them to waive legal rights
- Encourages DOE participation in the February 6th Yeshiva Summit to demonstrate commitment to understanding and partnering with school communities
Sara Fredman Aeder
5:25:58
Thank you, chair Joseph.
5:26:00
I am doctor Sara Fredman Ader, vice president of Israel and Jewish Affairs at the JCRC of New York.
5:26:07
The recent changes to Special Education Services Administration impact thousands of New York City children who desperately need support.
5:26:15
While we acknowledge DOE's obligation to ensure proper oversight of public funds, any reforms must prioritize students' access to essential services.
5:26:25
Schools are currently caught between meeting urgent student needs and navigating complex reimbursement processes that can delay critical services.
5:26:34
The recent requirement for families who missed the June 1st deadline to waive their legal rights in exchange for services creates additional strain on an already difficult situation.
5:26:44
We ask our friends on the city council to take several concrete steps.
5:26:48
1st, ensure DOE has sufficient funding and staffing to address both the current backlog of cases and establish a comprehensive plan for timely processing of future requests.
5:26:59
If the DOE does not have these resources, we ask city council to work with the administration to help prioritize identifying those resources.
5:27:08
2nd, work with DOE to establish a clear appeals process for families who missed deadlines without requiring them to waive their legal rights.
5:27:16
Finally, we also encourage DOE participation in the February 6th Yeshiva Summit hosted by Aguda Israel, which would demonstrate a genuine commitment to understanding and partnering with these school communities.
5:27:28
Chair Joseph, I know you are a forever educator.
5:27:32
No one understands more than you that our north star in this work is doing what's best for our students while being responsible stewards of public resources.
5:27:39
JCRC of New York stands ready to help facilitate productive dialogue between DOE and schools to serve our city's children.
5:27:46
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.