03/19/2023
IEA In Crisis
This statement is a call to action for those who care for the safety, well-being, and education of children with disabilities. IEA, Intensive Education Academy, is putting our children at risk. The Board of Directors is stonewalling us, and we need your help to protect our children from the new Executive Director of IEA.
IEA is a unique, private special education school for students with disabilities founded by Sister Helen Dowd in 1971 and the Sisters of St. Joseph. The school is nonsectarian and open to all. IEA was once known for its loving environment and inclusive family-school partnership. The incredible staff of IEA have guided our children through multiple administration changes and implemented students’ IEPs (Individual Education Plans) with fidelity throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ms. Lori Susi began her tenure as Executive Director of IEA in July 2022. In November 2022, staff submitted a vote of no confidence to the Board of Directors (BOD) and sought her immediate removal. Family and staff concerns have been repeatedly met with silence and inaction from The Board of Directors. As students reported Ms. Susi’s incompetent and unethical behavior, parents convened to seek assistance from the BOD. The BOD and their new attorney have refused to address any parent concerns and have notified the IEA staff their full cooperation to work with Ms. Susi is expected. The BOD also responded to parents with the following: “Dear Parents, We have received your emails. We will not be inviting you to attend or speak at Board Meetings. The Executive Committee”
Ms. Susi’s incompetence and Board’s refusal to properly investigate and address these concerns has left IEA in crisis. Please see our Website for incident reports submitted to the BOD. Here are just a few examples:
Ms. Susi’s actions have placed IEA in danger of losing accreditation.
Ms. Susi interacts with students in a manner that shows a clear lack of understanding of their disabilities and educational needs.
A student was exposed to asbestos due to Ms. Susi’s ignorance of safety and monitoring protocols. The seclusion room newly designated by Ms. Susi was not in compliance with CT state seclusion room requirements.
This request is submitted by families. We are requesting your support to assure a safe learning environment for our children with disabilities. Please help us restore Sister Helen’s legacy and save IEA, the school built on love.
We need your help to investigate a proposal to terminate Lori Susi immediately and reform the Board. To take action, please sign the petition and visit our Website for more details. Thank you!
School Built on Love: Help us Protect our Children and Preserve the Mission of IEA
