During a recent school district meeting, parents of special needs children voiced serious concerns regarding the treatment of students and staff within the district. Two speakers, representing the experiences of many, highlighted issues of unprofessionalism, lack of transparency, and inadequate support for students with special needs.

One parent, who identified herself as a member of the BPAC (Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee), expressed her disappointment over the elimination of her part-time paraprofessional position at John Mills School. She criticized the manner in which the decision was communicated, stating it was done publicly and without prior notice, which she found to be unprofessional and embarrassing. She also raised concerns about the principal's alleged deletion of test scores from a special education class and reported ongoing issues with the handling of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), claiming that they were out of compliance with state laws.

The parent emphasized the need for accountability within the administration, questioning why staff members who fail to meet the needs of students are not held responsible. She called for improved communication and transparency, particularly for the Hispanic community, which she noted comprises a significant portion of the district's population and often faces language barriers.

Another parent, Fatima Navarro, shared her distress over her son's treatment at school, recounting an incident where he returned home with bruises and no report was filed. Despite multiple meetings with school officials, she expressed frustration over the lack of action taken to ensure her son's safety and the inadequacy of his Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). Navarro criticized the staff for not taking her concerns seriously and for failing to provide the necessary support for her son, who has an IEP.

Both parents called for systemic changes within the district to better support students with special needs and to foster a more respectful and accountable environment for staff and families alike. Their testimonies reflect a growing demand for reform in how the district addresses the needs of its most vulnerable students.