School board faces backlash over governance and transparency issues

During a recent Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) board meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the scheduling and management of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for special education students. Brenda R., a special education teacher at Howard Cattle Elementary, highlighted the challenges faced in organizing 79 annual IEPs within the limited school year, exacerbated by a reduction in administrative support. She emphasized the need for adequate staffing and resources to ensure compliance with educational requirements, urging the board to consider providing additional aides for substitute coverage.

The meeting also saw Lisa Greathouse address issues of governance and transparency, accusing the board of violating the Brown Act by failing to report on certain agenda items. She expressed concerns over potential conflicts of interest related to a contractor, Star Hardware, which had previously made substantial donations to board members' campaigns. Greathouse called for accountability and adherence to ethical standards in board operations.

Sarah Omari, a former valedictorian and community advocate, criticized the board for its lack of effective governance and failure to engage with all stakeholder groups, including students. She pointed out violations of board policies regarding student participation in decision-making processes and urged the board to prioritize the needs of the entire community over personal agendas.

The discussions underscored a growing frustration among community members regarding the board's management practices and its commitment to transparency and accountability. As the new school year approaches, stakeholders are hopeful for improvements in governance and support for special education services.