Relocating to SC...need help. (Rock Hill, Union: property taxes, for sale, condo)

[groove1]

Originally Posted by lovethecarolinas

I had a feeling this is where your information was coming from....but wanted to just make sure first.
I was rather surprised to read your answer today...due to the fact that..back in May you said you had just read something that said the FMSD was excellent with special needs chidren?

The above article you reference has to do with one Mother that has brought forth these accusations. I am not here to say I agree or disagree with this situation...but I would hate to throw the whole school districts special needs programs under the bus..until I had all the facts first.

It's not just from this article, but that is documnetation of it. Also thoughts from Autimom and others I work with in regards to the situation as well, but if I said that it would only be hearsay. The article is at least some documentation. I previously incorrectly assumed (my fault) that with a good reputation, FMSD would be excellent with special needs children. It does not seem to be the case. There are hardly any programs in the district to support special needs children. Maybe the need just wasn't there previously, but it definitely needs to be now.

[lovethecarolinas]

Originally Posted by groove1

It's not just from this article, but that is documnetation of it. Also thoughts from Autimom and others I work with in regards to the situation as well, but if I said that it would only be hearsay. The article is at least some documentation. I previously incorrectly assumed (my fault) that with a good reputation, FMSD would be excellent with special needs children. It does not seem to be the case. There are hardly any programs in the district to support special needs children. Maybe the need just wasn't there previously, but it definitely needs to be now.

While I am hesitant to respond to this (for two reasons...one I feel I am hijacking this thread...the other reason...I have no desire to get into a heated debate about this issue with individuals that have just joined this site).

I will first start off by saying that Autimom is within the Rock Hill School District (not FMSD). In addition these are charges that have been brought forth by one parent and it will be up to the FMSD to prove one way or another...if in fact the accusations are true (the hearing has yet to take place).

Secondly I have dealt with the special needs program and have been pleased with the results (but I think each childs case is different and therefore my situation and results could be completely different than anothers). At the time though (beginning apx. 3 years ago)...what I saw was a shortage of staff that was overwhelmed with the ever increasing amount of new students and continuing students that were within the program. Since this time they have increased the staff (but I no longer have first hand knowledge if the staffing is sufficient).

What I found to be most troubling was with the lack of outside sources within the state of SC (outside of the FM school district). I came across this as we were looking for a second opinion (it boiled down to one location within a 50 mile radius...needless to say it took close to 6 months to get an appt.).


(*I apologize BHames for hijacking your thread and promise that I will no longer do so )

[bmd69]

This the second time I have heard this about special needs here. My daughter -in-law who is a special needs teacher is wondering what is going on here with the Fort Mill schools.

[Linda Hoge]

I have two children with special needs and I know from personal experience that the schools are not helpful if you have children with special needs and I know 20 other family's from therapy who have been let down by Fort Mill schools!

Originally Posted by lovethecarolinas

groove1 - just wondering what your source of information is in regard to the FM schools not being excellent if a child has special needs?

[Linda Hoge]

I have two Aspergers syndrome children who live in Springfield Elementary Fort Mill school system. I've fought with the school system for three years with nothing but static, "we do not have to do anything under the law for your children, they need to take meds, I do not care if they have a fever give them Tylenol and send them to school, we do not have to honor a homebound form signed by their Pediatrician, we do not have to do anything." Are just a few of the ideas given me to help educate my children? There are many more statements that were made, but you get the idea. Thus, time was passing my children by so I gave up trying to get help from the public school system and started home schooling both of my children which is exactly what the school system would like for all parents of special needs children to do. My son who is allergic to all antibiotics and most medications was given home bound by his doctor. I was also told the school system does not have to do anything for these Aspergers children so in other words the inadequate services that they were receiving I should be grateful. I asked for an aid to help my children even a couple hours a day as my son’s teacher said he was "accidentally dangerous" but the schools system administrators said, "We do not offer personal student aids any more." Well because of my son’s condition, he was constantly in trouble for behavior and noises that he could not control and things he did not understand. I was told by University of South Carolina Developmental Pediatrics, Columbia, SC to go to the playground and watch his interaction and do not let him know you are there in order to observe his behavior objectively. This all started because he was waking up in the middle of the night in cold sweats often begging me not to make him go to school. When I went to observe the playground, there was only one teacher on the playground with 25 plus children and one child they had labeled accidentally dangerous MINE. The other teacher who was supposed to be on the playground was actually in the room eating her lunch. It was NOT lunchtime! I watched for about five minutes as one little boy with his coat over his head lying down on the ground was being taunted by the other children and my son came to his aid as another little boy comes up behind my son and shoves his face into the dirt for helping another child. My son began to take off his coat and defend himself so I stepped out from behind the corner to stop what was about to happen when I made the teacher aware of what was happening she said, "OH I know exactly who your talking about. He tried to trip me this morning he is a trouble maker." I replied, "Then why is there only one teacher on the playground with all these children and one special needs child who you have said is accidentally dangerous and has no impulse control to which I was given a blank stare (the deer in the headlights look). This was just one of many experiences I had with the Fort Mill schools, administration, and Special needs director. My son and daughter had a very painful experience in the Fort Mill school system. I was also constantly told by teachers and the school that I needed to put my son on MEDS until the then School Psychiatrist stated in an IEP meeting, "It is the doctors and parents decision to administer and or prescribe drugs to their children it is not our right to say either way. It is our job to teach these children whatever it takes. His contract was not renewed. At the writing of this letter some 14 positions available in the Fort Mill School System Special Needs department. The school system is inundated with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers, Autism because there is a national epidemic. Instead of chastising, ridiculing, bullying, and ignoring the problems within the system they should do something about it. If they cannot handle the children then pay to send them to a school that can. It is much cheaper than hiring an aid anyway. CA, OH, NJ, and NY have figured it out and in the meantime it is the children and their families who suffer. Besides, my son is allergic to all antibiotics, green food dye, and has a steady staple of gluten free casein free diet so if he becomes ill it could be fatal. Ignorance, blind intolerance, defiance, head in the sand mentality is the best way to describe the Fort Mill School system special needs division. Do not take my word for it the information is readily available on their website, or send your special needs child to school if you can afford the therapy afterwards as the years of work in and out of the home regresses backwards like ours has. I told the school system in a meeting where it was I against seven of them in the boardroom and they said to me, "The numbers look good, we are not moving your daughter to another class." I replied, and then the fight is on. Why did you have me fill out the form asking how my child learns only to ignore what is written? (The subsequent teacher is no longer has her own classroom so we are not the only ones). I told them if we do not stand up for our children who will. I cannot back down, not when it comes to my children. We will not go quietly into the night. If Fort Mill has funding issues, deal with it. If you need more teaching support, get it. If you need further training, do it. We are shaping South Carolinas future here. Stop wasting it, make a plan and get it done. These children suffer enough.

[ORENDA]

Originally Posted by Belmarin

If you are relocating with Frieghtliner, please PM me as we are the realtors of choice for Freightliner relocation. I relocated from the San Francisco area 7 years ago and can give you the pros and cons I experienced.

My husband may be relocating,with freightliner Hopefully not until early 2009.
Is there a short-cut from the boiling springs area to ft mill that is with in a hour drive. We have family there. We have two boys 3and a half and a 1 year old this dec. We would be very thankful for any info you may have .
Thank you.

[autimom4ever]

Since I am posted throughout this thread. These are my thoughts:

Where we moved from (Maryland) the schools were ok, but the services were outstanding.

Before we moved, I researched 4 counties within the Charlotte area: Mecklenburg, Union, Lancaster and York

I was told Mecklenburg very big so kids tend to "fall through the cracks". The service are ok (from what I am told).

Union: I read/heard that both the services AND the schools are good for children with autism

Lancaster: I was told there are some autism classes but not a lot of services.

York: I was specifically told (before the move) that they had good services and schools

So we decided to move to York (close to Charlotte but not the NC taxes).

This is what happened when we got here: Schools are very responsive but they do not have exclusive autism classes. There are a mixture of different disabilities within the classroom BUT they do have IEP's and good therapies within the school. Steven's speech has increased a lot since he started here.
Services: THEY ARE CRAP!! DDSN is very responsive but there is nothing out there for the kids. They have respite, yes, but you have to find your own provider and you get a maximum of 1000.00/yr. I can't find someone I do not know. There are no after school facilities. I don't know what I'm going to do for Christmas/Spring break and I don't know what I'm going to do in the summer. Both my husband and I work. So, yes, I don't feel the services are good here whatsoever. The schools are good.
I'm just going to have faith that things will work out. If not, one of us may have to stop working, thus we can't pay all the bills....

SO...THAT IS THE GIST OF WHAT GOES ON IN YORK CO. FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
No monies?? I don't know.. but we sure are spending a butt load in IRAQ!!!

[advocacy4kids]

Originally Posted by lovethecarolinas

I had a feeling this is where your information was coming from....but wanted to just make sure first.
I was rather surprised to read your answer today...due to the fact that..back in May you said you had just read something that said the FMSD was excellent with special needs chidren?

The above article you reference has to do with one Mother that has brought forth these accusations. I am not here to say I agree or disagree with this situation...but I would hate to throw the whole school districts special needs programs under the bus..until I had all the facts first.

Watch the 6 o'clock news on WSOC Monday night, Nov 12 for the story. By the way it is not just one mother. There are numerous families that have not gotten services for their special needs child(ren). Please stay tuned.

[autimom4ever]

Originally Posted by advocacy4kids

Watch the 6 o'clock news on WSOC Monday night, Nov 12 for the story. By the way it is not just one mother. There are numerous families that have not gotten services for their special needs child(ren). Please stay tuned.

How do I get on this news story??

I would like to give my two cents..

[dealer4519]

I would like to say....... stay in N.C. Advice I was not offered a year ago when we moved down from Chicago. In South Carolina the H.S. drop out rate is 18% and that is partly because here the use a 7 point grading scale. The standard 10 point scale is not used causing average or below average children in every other state to FAIL school here. I am sure the state school boards are run by those college educated, but they fail to see the forest for the trees. I am petitioning Congress to tie a mandatory grading scale to the No Child Left Behind bill so South Carolina has to work with the challenging children and not make them feel stupid so they quit. That will make the South Carolina test scores lower though, and God forbid the teachers have to work for their pay. Further, I live in Tega Cay but it is not as nice as it is made up to be. There are plenty of grouchy elderly neighbors to yell at children as they play. This does not happen to my child though, I don't let him outside to play with the spoiled, bratty children in this neighborhood. Most of the people here are not from "here", so they get along fairly well as adults. I have three "GREAT" neighbors and many that would not qualitfy to live in "reality". It is best described as a "Stepford Wives" place to live. If you look like them, drive what they do, dress like they do, then you will do. If not, I am sorry, you won't last a year here. Even if you do last........ it isn't that great comparing what you are paying to live here. That is the worst part. For what this community costs, you would
expect better!