What would I do to improve special education? These are community schools and with communication and leadership, I will continue to push for Accountability. I believe that some school committee and some central administration members have refused to recognized the growing rate of autism and other special needs students as well as the systematic problems with special education programs. Changes have been implemented and the new Director of Pupil Services Beverly Shea has hit the ground running but much more still needs to be accomplished. Awareness on this topic will only reduce the cost impact of expenditures later. As a School Committee member, I will continue to offer my experience and positive and warm style to ensure that all children are provided with a Free and Appropriate Education that are mandated. As only one of two school committee candidates to cast a vote for the new Special Education Parents Advisory Committee, I am keenly aware of the importance of this group and have shown my support with my vote. They are a resource and group that has always been willing to advocate and help both the school district and community. A dispute resolution system will only save both the school and community money. Currently, the school district has expended close to 350K in legal expenses over the past two years and the current school administration has increased legal salaries and expenses quite significantly with the most recent budget for 2008. We must do better. My legal experience coupled with my diverse and well rounded educational and employment background makes me an ideal candidate for one of your six votes on Tuesday, November 6th, 2007. A vote for William Bill O'Keefe is a vote for the children and taxpayers of Medford.
