Parents of children with disabilities in Franklin Township (Somerset County, NJ) are raising urgent concerns regarding retaliatory and punitive treatment toward families who advocate for their children’s legally protected rights.

Multiple families report adverse actions, intimidation, hostility, disrespect, and harmful decision-making following requests for IEP services or enforcement of federal and state special education law. These concerns center on the administration and practices of the Department of Special Services, which oversees special education programming and compliance. This climate discourages parents from speaking up and places students with disabilities at risk.

Parents are also aware of publicly available U.S. Department of Justice records referencing a historical federal tax fraud case from 2003 involving an individual currently serving as Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Brenda Sofield, a senior leadership role within the Department of Special Services. While past criminal matters do not automatically disqualify an individual from public employment, such information is relevant when evaluating suitability for senior leadership positions that oversee public funds and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Time is of the essence. The Franklin Township Board of Education is currently considering critical leadership decisions, including the selection of a Superintendent, which carries significant implications for all Franklin Township students and families. Before irreversible appointments are made, families are requesting that the administration and practices of the Department of Special Services be independently reviewed—particularly where potential candidates for district-wide leadership currently hold senior roles within that department.

This requested review necessarily includes an examination of the administration, leadership, and decision-making of the Department of Special Services, including actions taken by Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Brenda Sofield, in her official capacity, to ensure that responsibilities have been exercised in a manner consistent with law, fairness, and student safety.

We call on the Franklin Township Board of Education to initiate a Board-ordered independent investigation into concerns regarding retaliation, punitive practices, and compliance with special education law within the Department of Special Services, to promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of students with disabilities.

Sign this petition to urge an independent review before irreversible leadership decisions are finalized.

Disclaimer: References to publicly available records are included solely for purposes of governance review and leadership evaluation and do not constitute allegations of current misconduct. This petition is based on publicly available information and the lived experiences reported by Franklin Township families and is submitted in good faith to promote transparency, accountability, and student rights.

Source:

https://www.justice.gov/archive/tax/usaopress/2003/txdv03ti0325_r.htm