This past school year, Executive Director Tom Quinn traveled to Harrisburg to advocate for schools that serve students with complex needs. Tom, as well as fellow leaders from the Alliance for Approved Private Schools, were formally recognized by the PA House of Represenatives during their March 24 session.

Tom met with several legislators, including PA Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who is sponsoring three pieces of legislation aimed at renaming “Approved Private Schools” to “Approved Special Education Schools.” This proposed change addresses a longstanding source of confusion. Despite the current label, schools like Vanguard are publicly funded – receiving the vast majority of their support from the state and local school districts – and serve as critical partners in Pennsylvania’s public education system.

Tom has been a leading voice in advancing this effort, helping to elevate awareness and push for more accurate terminology that reflects the true nature of special education schools like Vanguard and the students we serve. The recognition in the House marked a meaningful moment for this ongoing advocacy work.