I am the proud parent of a child with autism. I have been an advocate for her and other students with disabilities in both my personal and professional roles for many years. Recently, I applied to be on the NH State Advisory Council on the Education of Children/Students with Disabilities as the parent of a child with disabilities. There are multiple vacancies for parents on that committee and have been for a while. It took me several months to get a response to my application.
I was informed that Governor Sununu declined to nominate me because of my occupation as a school superintendent. I was told that the governor feels it is better to have ‘just’ parents in the seats on that committee and not a parent who happens to have a background in education. Governor, I am a parent before I am anything else. Your rationale for this decision is ridiculous and appalling. My child, and all children with disabilities, deserve a strong advocate and a voice at the table, especially where there are already empty seats and no ‘just’ parents waiting to fill them.
Lisa Walker
Peterborough