ROCKY MOUNT, Va. (AP) _ The state is investigating Franklin County parents’ complaints about the school system’s special education program. Virginia Department of Education spokesman Charles Pyle tells The Roanoke Times that the complaints include issues involving how the school district identifies and serves students with intellectual and physical disabilities. There also are allegations of bullying and intimidation of students and parents, and segregation of students with special needs. State Sen. Bill Stanley passed along the complaints to the department after several families shared their concerns with him. Stanley says the parents want the school system to be their partner, and not their adversary. Superintendent Mark Church has pledged the district’s full cooperation. Pyle says investigators from the education department will interview staff, review records and examine the district’s policies and procedures.
