Two months after committing to an overhaul, Chicago Public Schools’ special education department has a new man in charge who says addressing parent complaints and ensuring student progress are his top priorities.

The nation’s third largest school district has long been known as a difficult place to secure appropriate special education services. But in March, school district officials pledged a special education makeover, with a goal of making the 45,000-student department more parent-friendly.

As part of the effort, veteran school principal Dick Smith will be taking over. Smith is credited with shifting an 80-student segregated preschool program into a school with 250 students, half of whom are typically developing.

In his new role, Smith says he will better track student progress and expect local schools to be accountable for the educational success of students with disabilities. He also says he wants the special education department to be accessible to parents and more responsive to complaints, reports the Chicago Tribune. To read more click here.

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