Dear QSAC Education Families and Staff,
I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to address the recent developments at the U.S. Department of Education, which as you probably heard, is undergoing significant organizational changes including staffing reductions. While these changes may evolve, I want to emphasize that any closure or elimination of the Department would require an act of Congress, not just executive action. Additionally, Governor Hochul has specifically expressed her commitment to protecting the rights of students with disabilities in New York State, regardless of federal changes.
We anticipate the most immediate impact of these staffing reductions will be delays in processing certain requests that require U.S DOE review. Despite these challenges, I assure you that QSAC remains focused on providing the highest quality educational services to our students with autism and developmental disabilities, and all our programs will continue without interruption.
We are actively monitoring this evolving situation while working closely with state education officials. I will keep you updated on significant changes. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your program director or me directly. Thank you for your continued trust in QSAC as we navigate these changes together, ensuring our students receive the education and support they deserve.
Warm regards,
Lisa A. Veglia, L.C.S.W., M.P.A., SAS
Chief Executive Officer