The San Bernardino County Board of Education convened on March 10, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding special education services within Springs Charter Schools. The meeting featured several speakers, including parents and educators, who voiced concerns regarding the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the overall quality of education provided to students with special needs.

Courtney Cook, Senior Director of Special Education for Springs Charter Schools, opened the meeting by highlighting the commitment of the charter to support over 350 students with special needs in San Bernardino County. Cook emphasized the importance of personalized IEPs and reported that over 95% of families are positively engaged in the special education process. She underscored the school's dedication to transparency and collaboration with families, while also acknowledging the legal boundaries regarding student privacy.

However, the tone shifted dramatically as parents took the floor to express their frustrations. Bridal Baum, a parent from the Rancho Cucamonga campus, criticized the school for denying her son the use of speech-to-text technology, which is an accommodation outlined in his IEP. She also raised concerns about the cancellation of a facilitated IEP meeting and the lack of support for students who forget their devices at home.

Anna Salvatierra echoed similar sentiments, stating that her child’s IEP was not being implemented effectively. She reported instances where her son was denied access to necessary services and faced discrimination, which she attributed to a lack of qualified staff and proper training at Springs Charter. Salvatierra urged the board to reconsider plans for a new campus in Fontana, citing ongoing issues with the current facilities.

Antoinette Jensen, a former early childhood educator, raised alarms about the staffing and enrollment practices in the early learning programs, claiming that students were being regressed and that the program was discriminatory in its enrollment criteria. She criticized the lack of properly credentialed teachers and the prioritization of funding over the educational needs of students.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from the parents: there is a significant lack of trust in the administration of Springs Charter Schools, and immediate action is needed to address the concerns raised. The board is expected to review these issues closely and consider the implications for future educational policies and practices within the district.