In a recent meeting of the Bixby Public Schools Board, significant concerns were raised regarding the treatment of students with special needs, particularly in relation to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. A parent expressed frustration over the school’s approach to their child Layton's educational plan, accusing the administration of focusing on behavioral complaints rather than fostering an inclusive environment. The parent criticized the leadership of Kim Shine, suggesting that the current system prioritizes segregation over modern educational practices that support inclusion.

The parent emphasized the importance of collaboration between families and schools to create effective educational strategies, arguing that the current practices are detrimental to students with special needs. They called for new leadership that prioritizes advocacy for students and aligns with best practices in special education.

The meeting also covered routine administrative matters, including the approval of a consent agenda and a presentation on the district's financial audit for the 2023-2024 school year. The audit revealed an adverse opinion on the district's financials due to non-compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), a common issue among Oklahoma school districts. However, the auditors noted no major concerns regarding the district's financial health, aside from minor internal control issues related to the timely deposit of activity fund collections.

The board discussed the need for improved training and accountability measures to ensure compliance with deposit regulations, particularly around busy periods like holidays. The auditors highlighted that while there were no significant financial discrepancies, the timing of cash deposits remains an area for improvement.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in addressing the needs of students with disabilities while maintaining financial integrity within the school district. The call for leadership change in special education reflects a broader demand for systemic reform to better serve all students.