Tuesday, May 5, 2026
CONTACT: Stephanie Patrick, Executive Director
Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire
(603) 228-0432 or stephaniep@drcnh.org
RE: Elementary Special Education Program Redesign
Submitted via email: boe@nashua.edu
Dear Members of the Nashua School Board,
I am writing to express concerns about the proposed reconfiguration of the elementary special education program as presented at your April 27th meeting. As described, this proposal would represent a significant step backwards for the students and school community of Nashua.
As proposed, all elementary students identified as having “the highest level of need who require the most intensive supports” would be placed at the Broad Street School, rather than educated at their neighborhood schools. This approach centralizes services based on tiered levels of need while separating students from their peers and communities. In short, it normalizes the segregation of certain students with disabilities.
Federal law requires that educational placement decisions be made individually, based on a student’s unique needs, it does not allow predetermined placement decisions for a group of students based on similar needs. Each student is entitled to an individualized assessment to determine how they can be educated in the least restrictive environment possible, generally alongside their peers who do not experience disability.
This centralized program also goes against decades of research and best practices showing that inclusive education benefits all students, not just those with disabilities. Centralized, segregated programs, however, reinforce stigma, reduce access to the general education environment, and limit opportunities for meaningful peer interactions and relationships.
I urge the Board to reject the proposed reconfiguration and instead focus on implementing policies that provide robust individualized supports and services in inclusive neighborhood settings where all students are given the chance to learn and build community together.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Patrick
Executive Director
Disability Rights Center-NH
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DRC-NH is New Hampshire’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency and protects, advances, and strengthens the legal rights and advocacy interests of all people with disabilities. More information about DRC-NH can be found at http://www.drcnh.org.
