Parents demand urgent reforms for special education support

During a recent school board meeting, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the handling of legal bills and the support provided to students with disabilities.

One speaker, Amy Armstrong, was called out for her silence on the impact of legal bills during her tenure, which was described as detrimental to the student body. The speaker urged the community to scrutinize board members' actions rather than their social media statements, emphasizing the need for accountability in decision-making that affects all students.

Another poignant testimony came from Shauna Donater, a parent of a child with disabilities enrolled in Unit 4. She highlighted systemic failures in the special education services, recounting her struggles to secure adequate support for her son. Donater revealed that despite the legal requirement for a certain ratio of aides to students, her child was not receiving the necessary one-on-one assistance in the classroom. She criticized the district's approach, stating that the lack of proper support led to her child's increased behavioral issues and feelings of frustration.

Donater's call for better resources resonated with other parents, as she emphasized that the failures of the system should not be blamed on the children or their families.

Additionally, Roselle Hosale raised a question about the purpose of public comments during the meetings, expressing concern that community members share heartfelt stories without clear feedback or action from the board. This inquiry reflects a broader desire for transparency and responsiveness from school officials regarding community input.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a pressing need for improved support systems for students with disabilities and a call for greater accountability from school board members.