CT: Special ed director resigns in Orange

November 12, 2008

http://caas.tmcnet.com/news/2008/11/12/3780817.htm

New Haven Register (New Haven, CT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Nov. 12--ORANGE -- The school system's special education director resigned this week, two months after the school board hired an outside consultant to investigate allegations by parents of confrontational and abusive behavior.

Diane Goncalves is taking a job with another school system, school officials said. The Board of Education accepted her resignation Monday night.

Several parents of special education students claim Goncalves and Superintendent of Schools Timothy James have been confrontational and intimidating toward them.

The allegations boiled over in August when about 40 parents attended a Board of Selectmen meeting and pleaded with members to intervene on their behalf.

The school board hired consultant Michael Opuda of Portland, Maine, to investigate the parents' claims, including that Goncalves and James tried to remove students from the program whose care is particularly expensive.

The resignation caught parents of special education students off guard.

Parent Amy Criscuolo, who was at Monday's meeting, said it's "justice" that Goncalves is moving on, but she was hoping the investigation would have led to a recommendation that she be fired.

Criscuolo said she is convinced the investigation will reveal inappropriate behavior by the administration and give the school system an opportunity to improve special education.

"It's unfortunate that Diane can walk away and leave the carnage behind," Criscuolo said.

Goncalves' resignation is effective Dec. 31. In her letter of resignation, Goncalves said she welcomes the investigation and it will prove she did nothing wrong. Goncalves said she received a better opportunity in another school system in the state, which was not revealed Monday.

Goncalves was not at the meeting and could not be reached for comment Tuesday. James also could not be reached for comment.

Board of Education Chairman Ernie Robear said the board voted unanimously to accept Goncalves' resignation.

"The board is certainly sorry to see her go," Robear said. "We wish her luck in her future endeavors."

Robear said the investigation is in the early stages. He said a final report should be completed in either February or March.

First Selectman James Zeoli said he is pleased the investigation will proceed.

"If there are flaws, then it would be found," Zeoli said. "It's important to check out the program and whether improvements are needed."

Any parent or staff member who wants to contact Opuda can e-mail him at mjo@dwmlaw.com and specify in the subject line that it pertains to the Orange school district. The total cost for the review is expected to be $13,000.

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