Will start with what I can say is my absolute enthusiasm that the BOE with its millions and millions of Dollars each year was able to find $100,000., to install two (2), grade incline wheelchair lifts at Jackson Middle School. Now what about a problem at Neale I was told about?
Not being very smart and the first one to admit it, I am not completely sure what the above really are? So off to the internet and especially Garaventa Lift. They seem to be as most of you already know the type that the person would roll on to the Lift and be taken to the upper/ lower floor as desired? Would have been more comfortable with a Vertical lift, but guess because of cost/ space/ other children, it would not have been as usable when needed and may still be a problem? And hope like Hell, that no one tries to use it as a Freight Mover?
Still with ALL the millions over at least 10 years, that this paltry amount could not be found sooner for those children and their needs? But saw nothing on Bathroom facilities? Are the bathrooms already ADA Compliant? Was not given that impression that they were as much as still a need?
Have not gone to any BOE meetings, but have watched/ read what the Media calls News Coverage here and cannot ever remember anyone being in a meeting as an "Official", a Parent or just a caring Citizen and addressing this issue with the BOE? I realize, that it is the norm for what is going on in Vienna in any negative capacity to be filtered out, but if some who have advised me of speaking out in a meeting did so and none of if ever got covered, than again and yet again, Shame, Shame, Shame on what passes for Media in this area?.
I am not noted for "Calling a Spade a Spade", but will say it is more the Principal got his clock cleaned locally and had to so something for those who deserved a bit of help to attend Jackson? Mr. Summers basically and absolutely threw ALL the prior BOE Members and past and current Senior BOE Staff under the bus with his comments as posted in the Daily Blat of the 25th of July? Were/ are these people really that tone deaf to the needs of the Children and the problems had someone filed a Lawsuit on behalf of one or more kids?
The fact that the Parents did nothing is an embarrassment in and of itself too. I have noted time and again what a poor Educational System West Virginia has and this for damn sure includes not just staff, but facilities. This should have been screamed to the Heavens long before someone talked to me about it; a very long time before. Again, I am so glad I have no children or grandchildren in this system.
It is a fact that so many families exist in this State/ Area one paycheck to another, but a complaint to the ADA in D.C. cost just postage and one does not need one of those who profess to be members of the Bar to assist them.
So please, please do not let any Government entity bulldoze you into giving up what you and/ or your children deserve as a basic Right. Our Country espouses the Right to an Education at least through Grade 12. And while not the best compared to some areas in the Country, should be one where one can not only learn to Read, Write and do simple Math, but to also get to Class, Bathrooms, Cafeterias and so on. The above words in italics are far more important than any Sports Program. May I suggest we look at our Needs versus our Wants?
IF and I repeat IF anyone has a problem with the Local Government Entities here in Vienna, give me a call. I may not give you an answer you want to hear as I advised someone on a Zoning Problem the other night, but will try to help you as best I can. 304.295.4801 'nuff said'.