Cherry Hill special education PTA claims discrimination after school district prohibits back-to-school night tables.

Cherry Hill Public Schools is currently embroiled in a dispute with the Cherry Hill Special Education Parent Teacher Association (CHSEPTA) regarding the presence of information tables at back-to-school night events. CHSEPTA, which has organized these tables for the past 12 years to support families of children with special needs, was denied this opportunity for the current academic year by Superintendent Kwame Morton.

Following this denial, CHSEPTA filed a grievance with the school district’s nine-member board, alleging that the superintendent’s decision constitutes discrimination against students with special needs and their families. The organization is asserting that it is essential for families to have dedicated representation and resources during these events.

Jennifer Naddeo, president of CHSEPTA, emphasized the need for families with special needs children to access educational resources and support. She stated that the group plays a critical role in educating parents about their rights concerning special education services, assisting them in getting their children evaluated for those services, and ensuring adherence to individualized education plans (IEPs). CHSEPTA serves approximately 400 families and brings in specialists to provide vital information relevant to this community.

The Cherry Hill school district serves nearly 11,000 students and features a parent-teacher association at each of its 18 schools, along with a Zone PTA that acts as an umbrella organization. Furthermore, state regulations require each public school district to establish a special education advisory group to address the specific needs of this population.

In an official statement, the district explained that it is in the process of strengthening procedures across its schools to ensure greater consistency. It suggested that organizations like CHSEPTA would need to coordinate their presence with the Zone PTA, a claim that Naddeo disputes, asserting that her group has not been informed of any procedural changes that would necessitate seeking permission for their presence at back-to-school events.

Approximately 25 percent of students in Cherry Hill are classified as special education and have IEPs, alongside others who utilize a 504 plan for accommodations. Some students requiring specialized services are referred to programs outside the district.

Gina Winters, president of the Cherry Hill Board of Education, indicated that the board may not possess the authority to challenge the superintendent’s administrative decisions. The ongoing situation has raised concerns among advocates for special education rights. Peg Kinsell, policy director of the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network in Newark, expressed her discontent with the barriers impacting families seeking information.

As a result of the decision, CHSEPTA missed an opportunity to participate in back-to-school night at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, an event where traditional PTAs primarily focus on general education needs. Naddeo has indicated that the group plans to establish information tables next month outside the Cherry Hill Library and during the township’s Harvest Festival on October 18, aiming to provide support for families in need.