DCPS backs out of funding Ivymount at the Stevens School

D.C. Public Schools is pulling out of its funding commitment for the new Ivymount special education school, set to be located at the site of the former Thaddeus Stevens School on 21st Street.

Foggy Bottom and West End Advisory Neighborhood commissioners learned the news at their meeting Wednesday evening after ANC Chairman Patrick Kennedy received a letter less than an hour before the meeting got underway. The letter that Kennedy read aloud at the meeting stated that DCPS chose not to move forward with their agreement and mentioned previous work between DCPS and Ivymount.

“Since 2012 DCPS has launched successful collaborative efforts with Ivymount students and staff and has developed additional programs from students with autism spectrum disorder and professional development for DCPS staff,” the letter to Kennedy from Jennifer Niles, deputy mayor of education, stated.

Ivymount, a private school company that operates two schools and outreach programs for children with learning and intellectual disabilities including autism, is planning to open a third school an the site of the former Stevens School, which closed in 2008.

ANC commissioners slammed DCPS’ decision saying the current state of special needs education in the District is failing children...

https://www.gwhatchet.com/2017/05/18/dcps-backs-out-of-funding-ivymount-at-the-stevens-school/