Judge Kravitz Fails to Apply the Law
Today in a nineteen page ruling in case 3:07-cv-0833MRK, Powers et al v Woodstock BOE, Judge Mark Kravitz ruled in favor of the Woodstock BOE's Motion for Judgement on the Record. Notice of appeal will be filed in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals within the required timeframe.
Although it appears that again critical errors were made in the ruling, I do appreciate the sentiment in his closing remarks...
"The Court would like to emphasize that it has no doubt whatsoever that the Parents are truly motivated by a good faith desire to obtain the best education possible for their son. They are proud of their son and rightly so. According to the Parents, A.P. thrived at the Rectory School. The Court sincerely hopes that he will continue to thrive and will receive all of the help he needs to have a successful academic career. However, for the reasons stated above, the Court affirms the Hearing Officer's decision. Therefore, the Parents' Motion for Judgment on the Record [doc. # 30] is DENIED and the Board's Motion for Judgment on the Record [doc # 35] is GRANTED."
As we are now "safe at the Academy" and so far our experience there has been completely different than what we have experienced in the Woodstock system, (it is also important to note that Academy SPED services are outsourced to EASTCONN) we hope that our experience and willingness to share this odyssey with others will save future students and their parents from the horrendous management of this department by this administration.
Moreover, in the research I have conducted over the last number of years, the general public should also know that not only our Town, but the the State of Connecticut as a whole is failing with regard to Special Education. They, and we as citizens should be ashamed.
-Craig Powers
Although it appears that again critical errors were made in the ruling, I do appreciate the sentiment in his closing remarks...
"The Court would like to emphasize that it has no doubt whatsoever that the Parents are truly motivated by a good faith desire to obtain the best education possible for their son. They are proud of their son and rightly so. According to the Parents, A.P. thrived at the Rectory School. The Court sincerely hopes that he will continue to thrive and will receive all of the help he needs to have a successful academic career. However, for the reasons stated above, the Court affirms the Hearing Officer's decision. Therefore, the Parents' Motion for Judgment on the Record [doc. # 30] is DENIED and the Board's Motion for Judgment on the Record [doc # 35] is GRANTED."
As we are now "safe at the Academy" and so far our experience there has been completely different than what we have experienced in the Woodstock system, (it is also important to note that Academy SPED services are outsourced to EASTCONN) we hope that our experience and willingness to share this odyssey with others will save future students and their parents from the horrendous management of this department by this administration.
Moreover, in the research I have conducted over the last number of years, the general public should also know that not only our Town, but the the State of Connecticut as a whole is failing with regard to Special Education. They, and we as citizens should be ashamed.
-Craig Powers
Sorry Craig and family. I know this has been a very difficult sacrifice for you. Your perseverence in support for your son and in addressing the needs of SPED are admirable and so very honorable.
Thank you.
Silly me. Judge Kravitz had me believing that he was paying attention. His ruling proved me otherwise. It appears that there is some history I was not aware of, as well as his nickname- "Rip Van Winkle Kravitz". See this article from The Cool Justice Report- http://cooljustice.blogspot.com/2008/08/false-statements-by-douche-bag-school.html