Henry Viscardi School

Henry Viscardi School
Location
201 I U Willets Rd
Albertson, NY, 11507
USA
Information
Established 1962[1]
Principal Eileen Kamhi
Enrollment 185[2]
Student to teacher ratio 9:1:1
Information 516-465-1675
Website School website

Henry Viscardi School is a state supported special education school in New York for severely disabled students requiring a specialized educational setting with medical supports.[2][3] The location is in Nassau County.[4] The school enrolls students in grades Pre-K through 12.[2] The school was originally called The Human Resources School.[2] Founded by Henry Viscardi, Jr. and supported by public and private initiatives, the tuition-free school was the only one of its kind in the world.[2] It was renamed in honor of its founder.[2]

Academics

The Henry Viscardi School is a state-accredited institution of learning.[2] All students are classified for special education and provided services mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).[2] It is attended by physically disabled students with high academic performance.[4]

Financial problems

According to an audit from the state comptroller’s office, $835,074 was misused in 2008 and 2009, much of it going toward the $1.25 million in salary and benefits paid to Edmund L. Cortez, the chief executive officer, during that time. The state demanded the money be returned, as a result the school was forced to lay off several staff members and cut back programs. The cost per pupil was $74,331. [5] The new CEO, John Kemp, is committed to changing the face of the organization and helping to return the misappropriated funds to the school.

References

  1. ^ School for Disabled Fears a Shift; URL accessed October 26, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h About HVS, School website, accessed 25 February 2011.
  3. ^ Supported (4201) Schools, New York State Education Department, accessed 26 October 2009.
  4. ^ a b The Neediest Cases; For an Only Son, Burdens Beyond Family Expectation, New York Times, accessed 26 October 2009.
  5. ^ WINERIP, MICHAEL (May 15, 2011). "At School for the Disabled, High Pay Leads to State Pressure and Now Layoffs; An audit found that the Henry Viscardi School, one of 11 schools of its kind in New York, paid its top executive $1.25 million over two years.". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/16/ed.