Dear Editor:

Many of you may not know about the services in place for students with learning disabilities. Students who have a documented disability qualify for an IEP (Individualized Education Program), which ensures students with disabilities receive special education services. The other option is a 504 program, which allows for accommodations such as extended time on work and tests, and environment changes such as going to a different room for testing and preferred seating.

I am a student at Boothbay Region High School with a 504 plan. In the past, this school has allowed 504 plan students to get help from ed techs in the Resource Room, but a few years ago, that changed. BRHS Guidance Director and 504 coordinator Leanne Burnham explained one of the reasons why this change was made: “Students with a 504 plan are provided with accommodations, but they must receive 100% of their education in the general classroom. If students with a 504 plan are regularly receiving support services from the Resource Room staff, they would not be in their ‘least restrictive environment,’ and therefore, we would be out of compliance with the legal requirements.”

Currently, the Resource Room here is understaffed. I don't know the full reason why we can't find a worthy candidate, but I have a strong hunch that it is because of the Boothbay region’s housing and rental prices. A lot of people come here for the summer, and either buy or rent properties, then leave them empty for the rest of the year. This creates a housing challenge for people paid ed- tech wages.

This situation has affected me because I am not able to get one-on-one or small group help I need. I struggle with comprehension and need things explained to me in an easier and sometimes different form. Although 504 students are not allowed to get help in the Resource Room during class time, the staff still tries to find ways to help the students who need it by giving up their time after school and during lunch breaks when they are not getting paid.

I hope the CSD school committee will take action on the lack of support for 504 students, given that they are supposed to act in the “best interest” of the students.

Hayley Holbrook

rising BRHS senior