Resident urges change to district practice of reimbursing parents for independent special-education evaluations

Joseph Marino, a Levittown resident, used the meeting’s public-comment period to raise multiple concerns about the district’s special-education services.

“My concern is with the independent educational evaluations,” Marino said. He described the cost of an independent evaluation at about $4,000 and said the district’s process requires parents to pay the provider up front and then seek reimbursement. “I find that to be discriminatory for parents that can’t afford to upfront the money,” Marino told the board.

Marino also criticized the district’s reliance on contracted occupational and physical therapists, saying that contractors create turnover and a lack of continuity of care. He noted the district currently employs a single occupational therapist in a consultative role and asked the board to evaluate the cost difference between using contractors and hiring in‑house providers.

Board president Messina thanked Marino for speaking and said the board values his feedback. The board committed to following up with Marino within the next week to respond to his questions and concerns.

The board did not take action on Marino’s requests during the meeting; Marino asked the district to provide cost comparisons and a review of reimbursement practice for independent evaluations. Those items were not resolved on May 8.