Farm School Found to Meet State and Federal Guidelines

SOUTH KINGSTOWN – The state Department of Education has found the Farm School, an alternative program for learning-disabled students, is in compliance with state and federal regulations.

The findings came in response to a complaint filed in February by Kelley Gallup, whose autistic son, Kody, attended the Farm School. She claimed her son had regressed as a “direct result” of district negligence and that administrators were not following regulations in implementing his individualized education program.

The state distilled the complaint into 10 concerns. Each was examined by lawyers from the office of special populations in terms of the governing state or federal law, said Elliot Krieger, spokesman for the department.

In making its assessment, the department conducted a site visit and interviews, and reviewed school records.

Among Gallup’s complaints were that her son Kody was not receiving 230 days of education as required by his education program; that progress reports were not being filed; and that she had not been given her son’s educational record. The state found that Kody was not eligible for the extended-year program and that there was no evidence that the district had violated regulations with regard to record keeping.

Gallup also sought a regular education teacher to be included in planning meetings about her son. The state responded that regular education teachers must attend such meetings only when a student’s placement is being discussed.

One by the one, the state dismissed each complaint, including that the district had failed to provide a certified substitute teacher, as well as the same curriculum afforded other non-disabled students.

“The district is not in violation of any regulations or laws,” Krieger said.

Special Education Director Pamela Thompson said she was very pleased by the state’s assessment. She praised the Farm School’s “dedicated” and “professional” staff.

The state’s findings, she said, cleared the district and set the public record straight.

“I think the Farm School has gotten bad press,” she said.

Gallup — who could not be reached for comment — said she enrolled her 10-year-old son Kody at the Farm School at a special education teacher’s advice. Kody, who is sensory sensitive, had attended first through third grade at Matunuck Elementary School.

He was transferred to South Road Elementary School in the spring and will return to Matunuck Elementary in the fall, according to school officials.

The Farm School began as an experimental program, with a hands- on farming component, for special-needs students five years ago. During its tenure, it has been at four locations and fallen under the oversight of a shifting array of administrators. It is now being led by Asst. Pupil Personnel Director Rachel Santa in modular classrooms at the University of Rhode Island.

In addition to an academic curriculum, the school’s approximately 15 students receive yoga, relaxation and pet therapy under the supervision of three full-time teachers and several support staff. This fall it will serve only middle and high school students, Thompson said.

Thompson said she hopes to strengthen the program’s vocational component in the coming years. The school is slated to move to a new location at URI and undergo a name change to the “Independence Transition Academy” next fall.