A school board member, Kevin Bartol, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, publicly questioned why public schools are open to students who are not"educable." Those students who are not educable should be sent to a place known as "elsewhere." Dr. Bartol, who is also a chiropractor, was quoted as stating that some students " may have their eyes open, but there’s no one awake upstairs." Even when given an opportunity to retract or to clarify his statement Dr. Bartol refused to back off this unqualified ugly ill-informed stupidity.
One ignorant board member in a small town in Wisconsin is bad enough, but this story highlights a recurrent theme–children with special needs are under attack. Ignorance of the legal rights or the facts seems little deterrence. Moreover, how many other school board members, administrators and staff in districts around the country hold similar views, albeit they are more discrete about their public statements. Several years ago former Governor Terry Branstadt of Iowa was quoted as saying that money spent on special education was going down a "rat hole."
But getting back to Baraboo and Dr. Bartol, he apparently has not read the mission statement of the district which does not exclude students with special needs. Supposedly it celebrrates diversity of all students and values all achievements.
Given the fact that Kevin Bartol is a public figure and made his comments publicly, he deserves to hear from the public in Baraboo, and around the country, as to the offensive and repugnant drivel that he publicly espouses. Just maybe if there is enough positive attention directed in response to this issue, Kevin Bartol will be "educable." I suggest strongly if you email to keep it professional and proactive. His school email is kbartol@baraboo.k12.wi.us. The school board President is Kevin Vodak kvodak@baraboo.k12.wi.us, and the School District Administrator is Lance Alwin lalwin@baraboo.k12.wi.us.