Concerns over special education placements took center stage at the Northport-East Northport UFSD Board of Education meeting on June 18, 2025, as parents voiced their frustrations regarding the relocation of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). A parent, speaking on behalf of his family, highlighted the challenges faced by his son, who has been thriving in his current school but is now being recommended for transfer to Pulaski Elementary due to the lack of an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom at Fifth Avenue School.

The parent expressed deep concern about the potential disruption to his son’s learning environment, emphasizing the importance of stability and familiarity for children with special needs. He pointed out that while the district has an ICT classroom for other grades, his son and several peers are being asked to move away from their community and support systems. “We feel that moving him away from a stable environment would be detrimental to his learning,” he stated, urging the board to consider the emotional well-being of students in their placement decisions.

The parent also criticized the lack of communication and collaboration from the school administration, noting that parents were not adequately involved in the decision-making process. He called for greater transparency regarding the availability of special education services, which he claimed was not communicated to families when they entered the district.

In closing, the parent appealed to the board for compassion and collaboration, advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of children like his son. The discussion underscores the ongoing challenges faced by families navigating special education services and the critical need for schools to engage parents in meaningful dialogue about their children's educational paths.