By Jacob Kornbluh

June 24, 2014

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on Tuesday announced a package of administrative changes that make the process easier and less contentious for parents who are entitled to reimbursement of tuition for their child’s special education program.

The deal was announced as the Aseembly was about to vote on a bill introduced by Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, and passed in the Senate by Senator Simcha Felder earlier this month. The changes announced by Mayor de Blasio will render decisions about whether to settle cases within 15 days, to expedite reimbursements to parents, and to limit the paperwork they are required to submit.

“Every child in this city deserves a quality education. But for years, parents of children with special needs have had to wait for the City to settle legitimate claims for tuition reimbursement. Today, we are turning the page, making changes that will ease the burden on these parents. We are cutting red tape, speeding up the process, and reaching outcomes that do right by families,” de Blasio said at the press conference.

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