Editor, Gazette-Journal:
On behalf of Mathews County Public Schools, I would like to thank Lori Jackson Black for her commitment to students with disabilities and their families in Mathews County as well as the Commonwealth.
Lori’s dedication to providing equitable services and supports to SWD and their families is commendable! Lori served as the coordinator for the Mathews County Parent Resource Center from 2009 through 2013. As coordinator of the MCPRC, Lori took her story on the road, giving a voice to approximately 200-300 Middle Peninsula families over a four-year period.
Lori participated in school open houses, disability awareness activities in our schools, and provided information to many families via the Mathews County Parent Resource Center website. She created and hosted several informational events for families, participated in Mathews Market Days, and continues to be an active member of the county’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). In the spring of 2013, Lori planned and executed a resource fair with Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Glenns. The fair provided a place for Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck families to explore available resources in the area. Needless to say, her expanded efforts at the state level have given parents a stronger voice as she worked as a stakeholder on state SEAC parent panels that addressed the developing issues such as Response to Instruction, the Standard Diploma with Credit Accommodations, the revision of the Special Diploma, and the VDOE Aspiring Special Education Leaders cohort.
The leadership staff, teachers, parents and students of Mathews County would like to thank Lori Jackson Black for the many hours she has voluntarily given on our behalf. You have made the quality of life richer for so many! Lori was recognized at the state SEAC meeting on March 26 and was formally recognized by our local SEAC at the Mathews County School Board at their monthly meeting on May 19.
Louise F. LeBron
Director of Special Education & Federal Programs
Mathews County Schools