Understanding NonPublic Placements and Their Alternatives
March 25, 2026 from 7:00-8:30PM

Virtual by Zoom: REGISTER HERE
Se proporciona traducción simultánea al español

The challenges of the post-COVID period have led to a surge in nonpublic placements in Maryland schools. These schools specialize in serving the disability community and have been a choice for many families when students failed to make progress locally. Demand has led enrollment at many schools certified by the state to be at capacity. Communities are exploring ways to better serve students within their county school systems (with shorter bus rides and more opportunities for peer interactions) while maintaining access to services offered by their non-public partners for those who need specialized instruction and environments.

The panelists will address:

• Why families and county school systems choose nonpublic placements
• Actions county schools can take to build out offerings and supportive environments that can reduce reliance on nonpublic placements
• How their experiences in the Autism Society of Maryland’s service area (Anne Arundel, Howard and Montgomery Counties) may be applied more broadly

Panelists:

Melissa Brunson, Director of Special Education, Howard County Public Schools

Dorie Flynn, Executive Director, Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSEF)

Beth Ann Hancock, Special Education Advocate, Autism Society of Maryland

Moderator, Andrew Stettner, President of Board, Autism Society of Maryland