During a recent school board meeting, parents voiced urgent concerns regarding the mental health and safety of students at Carter Elementary and Portia High School. Leticia Robles, a parent, passionately addressed the board about her daughter’s struggles with bullying and mental health issues, which have led to her being placed on depression medication. Robles criticized the school administration for their inaction, stating that her daughter has faced bullying and ridicule, particularly from a teacher regarding her Tourette's syndrome. She expressed frustration over the lack of support and communication from school officials, emphasizing that her daughter now fears attending school.

Robles highlighted a recent incident where a student discussed a school shooting, which she claimed went unaddressed by the administration. She demanded accountability from the board members, stating that their failure to act has contributed to her daughter's distress and has led her to consider leaving the school district altogether.

Quenisha Freeland, another concerned parent, shared her own harrowing experience involving her son, who has faced severe emotional distress after being wrongfully accused during a school incident. Freeland recounted how her son was coerced into writing a statement against another student under duress, which has severely impacted his mental health and academic performance. She urged the board to review their protocols and take immediate action to prevent further harm to students, warning that the consequences of inaction could be dire.

Both parents called for systemic changes within the school district to better protect students and address their mental health needs. The meeting underscored a growing urgency among parents for the school board to prioritize student welfare and implement effective measures to combat bullying and support mental health.