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30 <br /> <br /> Ms. Carol Zimorski, Director of the City School's Special Education Program, <br />explained that there are 14 uniform categories of disabilities nationwide. Ms. Zimorski <br />said that most of the City's special education students are identified as learning disabled, <br />speech/language problems, emotionally disturbed, mentally retarded, developmentally <br />delayed; autistic, and traumatic brain injury, which is the newest category. Related <br />services include such things as occupational and physical therapy and nursing. Ms. <br />Zimorski said that funding for Special Education programs is complicated, and comes <br />from federal, state and local governments as well as grants. <br /> Mr. Lynch asked how the number of students in special education in the City <br /> compares with surrounding localities, and Ms, Zimorski said 19% of City students are in <br /> Special Education programs, which is comparable to. Albemarle County, though she said <br /> it varies in other districts. Ms. Zimorski said that the Ci~'s special education program <br /> has a good reputation and it does draw people to the progran~ She noted that students <br /> have to qualify under set criteria and, in addition to qualifying, must require special <br /> education services. <br /> Ms. Zimorski said that students who cannot function at the regular City schools <br /> are either sent to Ivy School or are in residential facilities. She said that most students in <br /> residential facilities are placed by social services or the courts, adding that of the 12 <br /> currently placed in these facilities, only two were referred for educational reasons. <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Richards about SOL and diploma <br /> requirements, Ms. Zimorski said that the requirements are the same as for other students, <br /> but accommodations for the SOL tests are allowed if they are allowed on a regular basis. <br /> She said there are alternatives for lower functioning students. She said there is a wide <br /> range of diplomas, including standard, modified, and IEP. <br /> Ms. Arletta Dimberg, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, said that no child is <br /> excluded from assessment requirements. <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Cox, Ms. Zimorski said that special education <br /> services are not provided on a geographic basis, but classes are division wide. <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Richard Merriwether, School Board <br /> Chairman, Ms. Zimorski said that 49% of special education students are African- <br /> American, which mirrors the total school population. <br /> Mr. Cox asked what happens if parents want to opt out of special education for <br /> their children, and Ms. Zimorski said that a parent has the final say about whether a <br /> student is in special education. <br /> Mr. Merriwether gave an update on the Superintendent search. He said 74 queries <br /> were received, and the School Board hopes to narrow the pool down to three or four <br /> before the panel interviews on May 3 and 4, with a decision by the middle of May. <br /> Ms. Richards said that with Jackson-Via School on schedule for major <br /> renovations, it seems that discussions regarding future use of the elementary schools <br /> should coincide with these renovation discussions. <br /> Ms. Murial Wiggins, School Board Member, said that the PTO Council has been <br /> asked to help the School Board ponder this question. <br /> <br /> sident <br /> <br /> <br />