'Concerned Parents of the East Meadow School District' Forms to Bring Change

A gathering of East Meadow parents concerned about the effects of Common Core learning standards on local kids has led to the formation of "Concerned Parents of the East Meadow School District."

The group convened at the East Meadow Public Library Tuesday to share stories and opinions not only about Common Core learning standards but the alleged "sit and stare" policy that affects kids who choose not to take the test.

"I look at some of the questions," Ilene Ballato, who led the meeting, said. "As someone who is in education, I could barely answer them."

Ballato and other parents have already opted their kids out of taking the assessments.

Jeanette Deuterman, founder of Long Island Opt Out, said that the East Meadow School district has always been a "thorn in her side from day one." Although she doesn't live in the district, she travels around Long Island sharing her story on why she opted her child out of the testing.

"Initially, I had no idea what the problem was, but I knew there was something wrong," Deuterman said. "I decided to [opt out] for my school and for my child."

Some from the group have spoken about their Common Core concerns at recent school board meetings and they plan to do so again Thursday, but they claim Superintendent Louis DeAngelo hasn't been receptive to some sort of compromise, allegedly claiming that he "speaks for the board."

Balatto said she's also attempted to FOIL certain policies, but she hasn't heard back from the district.

DeAngelo's office did not respond to calls for comment.

Jason Starr, a civil rights attorney from the New York Civil Liberties Union, suggested setting goals for what the group wants to accomplish. From there, he said, they will "have the power, and they can use their influence to make other changes to help the kids."

He suggested a strong social media presence, handing out fliers and sending out press releases. Other ideas included contacting elected officials, collecting their stories so they can be adequately prepared to speak at the next school board meeting. Starr stressed that they can't just have meetings to vent their frustrations, they have to move to the next step. 

"There needs to be a concrete plan followed by an action," he said. "We've identified the objective, now plans need to be put in motion."

Deuterman said another meeting regarding Common Core will take place at the East Meadow Public Library on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. There will be a panel of experts available to discuss concerns. 

"We're real," Ballato said. "We're not going away and we're not going to back down." 

Calls to the New York State Education Department were not returned.

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