Comments

Fed. Mandates with no funds wrote on Feb 28, 2009 10:26 AM:

" This has been going on for years and you wonder why the schools can't keep up. So, since we have to do this, why not look for more students in the valley that can get on that van and go to this school? lt does sound like a better set up for a deaf child? I'll bet there are several students that would benefit. Of course many of you don't really care about others, you only care about what effects you. How many of you actually vote? Try voting rather than complaining. "




northern dave wrote on Feb 24, 2009 8:18 AM:

" Ed, Alaska is unique with our capital being isolated etc etc. It is most common up here for representatives (and the governor) to have offices in Anchorage and Fairbanks. That way, they can be with their families and still spend SOME time at home. Also, we enjoy having easier access to them by having them in Alaska's major population centers. In many ways, working from Juneau AND the other large cities makes them more efficient. We Alaskans understand that. You in the lower 48 can't. Luckily, you in the lower 48 don't matter. "




Edward from AZ wrote on Feb 23, 2009 3:59 PM:

" poor Ed at it again wrote on Feb 23, 2009 9:39 AM:

" ..and our favorite sloth Ed manages to turn this article into an anti-Palin rant...... Oh, and Ed...since you want to complain about Palin driving her SUV to Anchorage every day (ever hit a moose or slid off the road in a small import Ed? Oh, wait...you're from AZ)..maybe she should reinstate the tax-payer funded driver? Sometimes a brain comes in handy, Ed. "=================Gee I thought the office was there or in the Capitol. What did I miss, she is not Mayor of Wasilla anymore. "




poor Ed at it again wrote on Feb 23, 2009 9:39 AM:

" ..and our favorite sloth Ed manages to turn this article into an anti-Palin rant. Ed must have been rejected by some girl that looked like Palin once. It's the only way I can understand his creepy obsession with her. Oh, and Ed...since you want to complain about Palin driving her SUV to Anchorage every day (ever hit a moose or slid off the road in a small import Ed? Oh, wait...you're from AZ)..maybe she should reinstate the tax-payer funded driver? Sometimes a brain comes in handy, Ed. "




Amy wrote on Feb 22, 2009 8:05 PM:

" What ever happened to reporting the facts and keeping your personal bias out of the story? "




SET wrote on Feb 22, 2009 6:15 PM:

" I'll do it for $150,00 a year.

Hey, it's the only thing I would have to do all year...what a deal! "




khbalaska wrote on Feb 22, 2009 12:51 PM:

" Facts - please help me understand. Since ASD was awarded the contract, are they also obligated to provide transportation outside the ASD school boundaries? If so, then whomever negotiated this particular contract needs another job. "




Facts wrote on Feb 22, 2009 1:15 AM:

" MSSD has nothing to do with it because they did not get awarded the State School for the deaf contract. Secondly if you read all the material involved you will see the state pays a lot of money to ASD for this school which in turn needs to be used for the students. She is a student enrolled so therefore they need to bus her in. The judge only upheld the letter of the law. "




Edward from AZ wrote on Feb 21, 2009 5:29 PM:

" Hey, maybe SP could drive her in her State vehicle every day. Then she would at least be in a State office.....Additionally, the cost of $ 80,000 seems to be overstaed. "




to rainboo wrote on Feb 21, 2009 4:33 PM:

" you seem to have a special axe to grind with sarah palin, did she abduct you in her space ship (as you seem to believe she is behind every aspect of life) she just doesn't have that much control (or does she??) **fade out with twilight zone theme music** "




LMB wrote on Feb 21, 2009 11:17 AM:

" I have read the artical and all the comments. I agree that ASD should not have to fork out the funds for the transport of this child.. It should be MSD that should be paying because they do not have programs for these kids, ALL of them... MSD should have to provide the transportation for all of them till they can provide and educate them better to their needs. MSD has been growing for a while and should of budget it in a long time ago.. Granted the parents should of looked into the education better before moving. "




Rainboo wrote on Feb 21, 2009 9:44 AM:

" Wonder if they're members of the governor's church in Wasilla? "




Oops wrote on Feb 21, 2009 9:41 AM:

" This is like a bad divorce. Continue to let her live in a lifestyle she's accustom too. Oh, my best friend moved to Montana last year, we use to shop every week in Anchorage, please send her back weekly so I can continue this social education in shopping. "




I cant hear you wrote on Feb 21, 2009 9:36 AM:

" Why not tell us who is this judge so we can vote him out, this is out of control and unreal, but easy to imagine in the coddled country in which we live "




to Set wrote on Feb 21, 2009 9:33 AM:

" A big 'AMEN!' to that! "




options wrote on Feb 21, 2009 8:30 AM:

" if the public school is failing her so badly and the parents know whats is best, maybe they should home school her and give her the best education with all the love she needs "




Your all idiots wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:26 PM:

" First there are kids from the village and they live in approved housing paid for by yep you guessed, the state. Secondly she is what the Gov't calls special needs. Maybe we should not require handicap access at any public buildings anymore because you know it is not my fault little Jonny has no legs. You people need to move to a third world country and stay there and then let's hear what you have to say. You cannot pick and choose who to fund. What about the kids bussed from Girdwood. I bet that is not cheap. "




Pete wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:18 PM:

" BTW after a bit of research on the Web
Tuition R&B at Harvard (adult) is 53,000.

Clarke School for the Deaf (children) in Boston is 60,000 includes R&B- for a top notch private school.

The efficency in the public arena is amazing! I wonder who has the best program? "




Pete wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:15 PM:

" The law the Judge followed has been in place since 94-(142). In a nutshell ASD recieves close to 60k per kid from the State (Fed passthrough Medicaid funding?). Get off this Anchorage- taxpayer bandwagon. The best school placement for the child has been determined by all involved to continue where she is. (IEP)
Fagans callers and the editor know best?
All efforts at alternatives ride the elementary bus etc have been overruled by ASD-
The choice is simple for Comeau no "$0" Federal Funding or- meet the girls needs.
Comeau's legal team -ASD grads. "




SET wrote on Feb 20, 2009 8:27 PM:

" Absolute garbage. It is the parents responsibility here. Not the government. They moved away from where they needed to be. I guess if they decided to move to Nome they would be asking to have the kid flown to Anchorage every day. Hey parents..you are responsible for your kids. NOT THE GOVERMNENT. Now if you wish to give her up to the state.... This is just more of the government OWES US mentality. A sign of the Obama times. This judge was a fool. I can't say it any plainer than that. "




LJ wrote on Feb 20, 2009 8:11 PM:

" Well DJ you'll be happy to hear that it was Kitsap County I lived in and the Central Kitsap School District that paid for my son to attend the school he needed in Shoreline. This issue has nothing to do with the government taking care of things. Its called ensuring that ALL children have the right to the proper education they deserve. These parents are taking care of their responsibility---their child and ensuring she gets what she needs and is entitled too. "




khbalaska wrote on Feb 20, 2009 4:42 PM:

" The issue is not whether or not the child (or children) deserve the best education available. The issue is making a school district that the child (or children) do not even LIVE IN foot the bill. That's total bs. "




DJ wrote on Feb 20, 2009 3:13 PM:

" OK, now I was raised in Kitsap County, Washington. And I read with interest LJ's note about how wonderful the People's Socialist Republic of Washington was for picking up the tab. But depending on which study you read, Washington state ranks anywhere between #1 to #4 highest-taxed state in the US. Want all those warm, fuzzy social programs where the gov't will take care of you? Sure! As long as everybody else doesn't mind picking up the tab in the form of choking-high taxes! The rest of us would rather pay less and look at as your responsibility! "




Patriot wrote on Feb 20, 2009 3:12 PM:

" Another example of a judge that needs to be buggy whipped and run out of town. "




traex wrote on Feb 20, 2009 1:32 PM:

" Buses are not cheap. The cost of transport and libility as a school district is extreem. Private carriers are not required to have the expertise in training or the insurance required to bus our home to school children. And the buses are paid for per day which means 3 hrs is the same rate as 8 hrs. You want professionals? You pay for professionals. Put more programs in the Mat-Su Schools. Put more teachers that can teach these children. Transport is just a band aid for now. "




oh ya.. wrote on Feb 20, 2009 1:27 PM:

" Ok as I see it these people not only expect the school to pay for education but also house them and take them to and from Big Lake? Wow..such a deal! I know it can't be easy having a special needs child but if I were that parent I would move where there are programs for that child. Why do people expect the Government to house, feed and raise their child? What has happened to parent responsibility? Sell your house move back to Anchorage and take care of your child if she needs this. "




LJ wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:57 AM:

" To continue--his school was 2 hrs away,and part of that commute included a ferry ride across Puget Sound.Why did our home district pay? Because although they had "services" for the deaf kids, it was NOT the least restrictive enviroment for him and since he is entitled to that,along with a free and appropriate education just like hearing kids they were required BY LAW to pay for transportation and any tuition fees. I'm not missing the point at all, I live this with my child every day and this girl and her family have rights like everyone else. "




LJ wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:52 AM:

" No AKLogCabin, I do not miss the point at all. My child, or the child in question here, should not have to live at the school for the week. I want my child home WITH me. The school for the deaf is the least restrictive enviroment and IMO, Mat-Su should be picking up the fee for the ride because they dont provide an all inclusive deaf-ed program. I've been through this with my child.When we lived in WA state my son went to a private school for the deaf--transportation and tuition paid for by the home district. "




Ben C wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:39 AM:

" Of course it's hard to argue against this issue without looking heartless or some such since the child is deaf. But how far down that slippery slope should we go? At what point do we say that it is not the obligation of the taxpayers or the government to spend that kind of money for a special case? Want your child to go a better school? Fine. That's your right..and your obligation to get them there. Should we start paying millions to fly deaf children in from the bush to attend this school in Anchorage, too? "




PR wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:23 AM:

" I have 4 girls that are so upset over the treatment of Kate, her family and untimately their brother and the lack of bussing for the other deaf kids that they are willing to do what ever is needed to get the word out.

Kayelyn and the other Deaf kids Deserve this bus!!! They deserve to have a GOOD Edication and to be able to get Careers that will enable them to live lives like anyone else. Doesn't everyone want that for their kids? "




Spankles wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:22 AM:

" If Anchorage is paying for it, they will save us money. sounds like a good deal for us valley folks. I like curious's idea about hiring a person for this task. It will create a job and stimulate the economy. "




PR wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:16 AM:

" Look up and read the comments it sounds like there is another parent with 1st hand knowledge about the deaf program that our kids are supposed to get in the Valley.

To all who do not understand...

If your child had as poor of an education as what MSD is offering the deaf kids out here you would be screaming too. But NO you put down this poor family for fighting for the rights of their daughter.

My son and I are behind them all of the way. "




Lori wrote on Feb 20, 2009 11:05 AM:

" This story is clearly biased. This child is not being bussed to school in Anchorage so she can go to class with her friends. She is going to school in Anchorage because she is deaf, and her local school district is unable to provide her the services that she needs. Further, although there is only one child in this lawsuit, this ruling will provide transportation for about 20 deaf children that live in the Mat-su Valley and currently cannot get the services they need without significant hardships to their families. "




Patty wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:57 AM:

" There is 2-3 other deaf kids that either would go to the deaf school if they had a ride or are now going.

Why should they have to leave their families so they can graduate?

The Valley has a Poor to Mediocre deaf ed system for the secondary kids. Why should the deaf Middle and High Schoolers suffer??

Why should a deaf child settle for a lower paying job, because they could not get what they deserve just because they live an hr from the school that can give it? "




nicole wrote on Feb 20, 2009 10:45 AM:

" When I read this I was astounded. 80 grand a year that my son's school distrinct is going to fit? I mean seriuosly, I can think of about 20,000 other things we could do with 80,000. This is a ridiculous waste of our prescious resources, resources that are being cut year after year because of buget cuts. We are looking at the state losing over 400 million dollars in the state budget for the year 2010 and yet the ASD is generously handing over 80 grand to help ONE student. My God what has our state come to? "




curious cont. wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:52 AM:

" how do they figure it will cost 80 thousand a year? I think you can get a limo for cheaper than that. I think that is a major concern that should be addressed. the ASD quoting eighty-thousand dollars in expenses for a 100 mile round trip 5 days a week. that is like $3.50 a mile. They should hire someone to drive her in every day, cover the cost of gas and give them a 24,000 a year salary. ANYONE I know would be happy at 2,000 a month for 3 hours of driving a day. plenty of options. "




AkLogCabin wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:51 AM:

" LJ you miss the point. Students from outside the Anchorage area live at the school. If this kid and her parents want her to go to this school she should "room" there during the week. The parents could take here in on Monday and pick her up on Friday or let her live there during the school year like all the other kids from around the state.If you bus her from Big Lake you better fly my kid back and forth from Fairbanks daily,or I will sue too. Where does it stop. "




curious wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:48 AM:

" I am a little bit curious why the parents decided to move to Big Lake. I understand why the girl should go to the school and all, but I think the parents should have stayed in anchorage, and commuted every if they moved for work. They need to do what is best for their child. what kind of life will this girl have outside of school when she is on a bus for probably over 3 hours a day. when is there time for homework? she will have to get up extremely early, correct? how do they figure it "




khbalaska wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:47 AM:

" Then the STATE should fund the $80,000 - not ASD!!! It would be different if the child actually lived within the ASD boundaries. What's next? Flying a child from Barrow to attend this "one and only special school" and pay for the housing as well? Should ASD be expected to pay for that as well? This has just opened a whole new kettle of worms. If I lived in Anchorage and paid the property taxes I would be absolutely lived to have to be expected to pay. "




matsued wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:33 AM:

" Spend the money to improve the Mat-Su Special Education system. We need to be able to provide for these students at home. Why should she spend valuable time on a commute? Why should Anchorage be the only school for deaf ed students. Get real and get what is needed to educate her and other students in our Valley. We need to use our recources to improve our schools. Use funds for teachers and class rooms. Don't waste it on a bus ride to Anchorage.!! "




incorrect continued wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:18 AM:

" I believe I heard the parents used to live in Anchorage and then decided to move- Don't most sane humans look into schooling opportunities for their children when choosing to move. Every day there are more and more stories about how people are trying to get the government to foot the bill for things they should be happy to be getting- Part of being an American is making some sacrifices- if you do not expect your child to make a sacrifice then perhaps the parents should. Why is it the responsible people who make the sacrifices? "




incorrect wrote on Feb 20, 2009 9:13 AM:

" The state(by state I mean all of the people who actually pay taxes) should not be on the hook for an unlimited amount of spending. There are probably better schools in Cali, should we fly the student down there each day? How about any student in the Mat Su- If the parent feels a better education can be had in another city, should the state have to pick up the tab for the better education? Or should I be the responsible adult and pay my family's way instead of living off the gov't cheese? "




Still missing point wrote on Feb 20, 2009 8:22 AM:

" TA you as with the editorial writer still miss the point. It is about being in the state school for the deaf in Anchorage which the ASD was awarded the contract for. Simple. If you are awarded a contract that you bid on you need to be willing to follow through. If the State stops funding then you sue the state but should not penalize a particular family because the rules are being changed. Again it is about the quality of education not the amount of friends she has. Suck it up people. "




LJ wrote on Feb 20, 2009 6:20 AM:

" As a parent of a deaf child I am disgusted by what the response in this area is to this case. This is not about being with friends and having a 'comfortable' enviroment, its about getting an education in the least restrictive enviorment. My son attends the so-called "program for the deaf" here in the Valley.There have been days where he is without an interpreter at school, his bus driver and aide know no sign language at all,etc.This girl deserves to be in an enviroment that will help her thrive and learn. "




T A wrote on Feb 20, 2009 12:38 AM:

" As a musician, I have a very special place in my heart for those who have never been able to hear the gift that has kept me sane so many times in my life. However, I receive pizzas from a man with the same disability, with a smile no less. Do you think he got this way by being coddled while growing up? It is hard moving away from friends, especially with such an outcasting disablity im sure, but this girl will face many greater hardships and she needs help to get prepared from her PARENTS. "




Msising the point wrote on Feb 20, 2009 12:11 AM:

" You are missing the point. It is just not to be around her friends. It is to be in the state school for the deaf. Big difference between this school and a mat-su school that has a signing teacher. How much research did you do before writing this op-ed. Did you compare schools, programs and teacher qualifications. I am betting no. Secondly I think when penning a piece like this it would be best if you could walk a mile in her shoes. "