Henry Viscardi School is a state supported special education school in New York

New York

New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...

 for severely disabled students requiring a specialized educational setting with medical supports. The location is in Nassau County

Nassau County, New York

Nassau County is a suburban county on Long Island, east of New York City in the U.S. state of New York, within the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,339,532...

. The school enrolls students in grades Pre-K through 12. The school was originally called The Human Resources School. Founded by Henry Viscardi, Jr. and supported by public and private initiatives, the tuition-free school was the only one of its kind in the world. It was renamed in honor of its founder.

Academics

The Henry Viscardi School is a state-accredited institution of learning. All students are classified for special education

Special education

Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...

 and provided services mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities...

(IDEA). It is attended by physically disabled students with high academic performance.

Financial problems

According to an audit from the state comptroller’s office, $835,074 was misused in 2008 and 2009, much of it going toward the $1.25 million in salary and benefits paid to Edmund L. Cortez, the chief executive officer, during that time. The state demanded the money be returned, as a result the school was forced to lay off several staff members and cut back programs. The cost per pupil was $74,331. The new CEO, John Kemp, is committed to changing the face of the organization and helping to return the misappropriated funds to the school.