Announcements

MEDIA COVERAGE

Attorney Mark A. Skeldon Advocates for Special Education Students’ Rights in Legal Battles Against Toledo Public Schools

Toledo, Ohio – December 3, 2024 A recent 13ABC, Toledo, Ohio news story reported on a Zoom call involving a TPS Reynolds Elementary School Teacher, a TPS Special Education Administrator and the parent of a 6 year-old student with a disability. On the Zoom call the TPS Employees made inappropriate comments about the 6-year-old student, unaware the child’s parent could hear them. The remarks, which were both deeply troubling and unprofessional, illustrate an institutional problem that continues to affect students with disabilities in Toledo Public Schools.

During the call, a teacher in a “behavioral classroom” acknowledged the harmful environment, stating that suicidal language expressed by the child had been learned in her classroom: “Half my class says that all day long.” The teacher’s comments seem to indicate that her special education students are in her classroom all day long.

This revelation underscores the problematic practice of segregating students with disabilities into isolated classrooms with minimal interaction with their peers in general education settings. Such practices violate laws that guarantee a child’s right to be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment.

Attorney Mark A. Skeldon, in collaboration with Leslie Murray Law, filed in May 2024, two lawsuits against Toledo Public Schools (TPS) on behalf of two young special education students who were assaulted by TPS employees. The lawsuits allege, among other charges, systemic failures by TPS to comply with state and federal laws mandating that students with disabilities receive an education in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). These claims are substantiated by publicly available data and codified in Federal Law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – IDEA), and Ohio State Law (Ohio Revised Code – ORC 3323).

“The incident at Reynolds Elementary school is not only inappropriate but also indicative of broader systemic issues related to the way TPS delivers services to students with disabilities,” said Attorney Mark Skeldon. “Segregating students with disabilities is harmful, illegal, and denies these children the safe, supportive, and inclusive education they deserve. We are committed to holding TPS accountable and advocating for systemic change to protect the rights of students with disabilities.”

Attorney Skeldon encourages parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s educational environments and rights. He remains dedicated to representing families impacted by these practices and bringing these issues to the attention of the community.

If you have concerns about your child’s educational rights, please contact Attorney Mark A. Skeldon Law at 567-600-6898. Together, we can ensure no child is left behind.

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For Media Inquiries:

Jen Skeldon

Director of Firm Outreach, Skeldon Law

419-654-4695

jen@jskeldon.com

Parents Sue Toledo Public Schools for Assault of Children by Educators

Toledo, OH – May 10, 2024 – Tiffany Smith and Marcela Graciani have taken legal action against Toledo Public Schools, filing separate lawsuits in response to the assault of their children by educators within the district.

The incidents, which occurred in May 2023, involved assaults on elementary school children with disabilities. Ms. Smith’s son, a second-grade student at Robinson Elementary School, suffered severe injuries when paraprofessional Stanley Hill forcefully slammed his head against a desk, resulting in broken permanent teeth and nerve damage. Ms. Graciani’s son, a third-grade student at Spring Elementary School, was assaulted by special education teacher Garrett Pelz, who threw him across the room where his face hit the floor, sustaining severe cuts and bruises.

In response to the assaults, Ms. Smith and Ms. Graciani have engaged the legal expertise of attorneys Mark Skeldon, a trusted attorney and former educator, and Leslie Murray, an experienced civil rights attorney. Their aim is to seek justice for their children and to draw attention to the issues facing students with disabilities in Toledo Public Schools, particularly in the Central City area.

These lawsuits underscore the urgent need for Toledo Public Schools to address systemic issues and ensure the safety and well-being of all students. By holding the responsible parties to account, Ms. Smith and Ms. Graciani seek not only justice for their children but also meaningful change within the district.

The legal action taken by Ms. Smith and Ms. Graciani represents a pivotal moment in advocating for the rights of students with disabilities and demanding accountability from educational institutions. It is their hope that this litigation will serve as a catalyst for positive change and lead to a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all students.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Mark A. Skeldon, Esq.
Mark A. Skeldon, LLC
Toledo Office | 5415 Monroe St., Suite 5, Toledo, OH 43623
Sandusky Office | By Appointment
Office 419.962.9363 | Direct 567.600.6898 | Fax 419.962.9382
http://www.skeldonlaw.com
mark@mark-skeldon.com

Leslie Murray, Attorney
Leslie Murray Law
316 E Water Street, Sandusky, OH 44870
Office 419-677-6689 | Fax: 419-502-0290
http://www.lesliemurraylaw.com
leslie@lesliemurraylaw.com