Deaf-education task force to recommend actions

By Journal staff | Saturday, May 17, 2008

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Gov. Mike Rounds has appointed nine members to a task force that will examine South Dakota's educational services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. The group will make recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of those services.

The Task Force on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education will meet for the first time Tuesday, May 27, in Sioux Falls. Public testimony will be taken that day from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. in Room 282, University Center, 2205 Career Drive.

"I have asked the task force to offer both short- and long-term recommendations on how we can best deliver services to all students who are deaf or hard of hearing," Gov. Rounds said. "This is really about the best approach to take in providing deaf education in South Dakota. The task force's work is not just about the South Dakota School for the Deaf, but how a continuum of services can best be delivered in partnership with K-12 schools across this state."

By July, the group will recommend action on any items that pertain to the upcoming school year. Rounds also has asked for long-term recommendations by this fall, including any items that may require legislation for the 2009 session.

Members of the Task Force on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education appointed by the Governor include:

* Deanne Curran, Flandreau, parent of a student at South Dakota School for the Deaf

* Joanne DeBee, Sioux Falls, outreach teacher at School for the Deaf

* Sen. Thomas Dempster, R-Sioux Falls

* Michele Foy, Sioux Falls, parent of a student at School for the Deaf

* Rick Melmer, Pierre, secretary of the South Dakota Department of Education

* Randy Morris, Spearfish, South Dakota Board of Regents member

* Tad Perry, Pierre, Board of Regents executive director

* Rep. Tim Rave, R-Baltic

* Rick Weber, superintendent at Flandreau School District