Parents and teachers voice concerns over ESE changes at Osceola School Board meeting

Concerns over the transition of students from self-contained classrooms to mainstream education dominated the Osceola County School Board meeting on March 11, 2025. Parents and educators voiced their worries about the impact of these changes on students with special needs, emphasizing the need for adequate support and resources.

Michelle Rodriguez, a teacher at Discovery Intermediate School, highlighted the challenges faced by students who require individualized attention. She expressed concern that the push to integrate these students into regular classrooms could lead to inadequate support for both them and their peers. "Those kids who need 1-on-1 help all day long are not getting the support they need," she stated, urging the board to consider additional classroom assistance for teachers managing increased IEP workloads.

The meeting also saw passionate testimonies from parents like Michelle Martinez, who articulated fears for her son with Autism Spectrum Disorder. "If he's not in self-contained, for his safety, what's going to happen?" she asked, echoing a sentiment shared by many who worry that mainstreaming could jeopardize their children's well-being.

Don Gray, another concerned parent, criticized the board's previous decision against implementing a chaplaincy program, arguing that it could provide essential support for students in crisis. "There are children that are crying out for help, and there's no one coming," he lamented, calling for the board to reconsider its stance.

As the meeting progressed, several parents expressed frustration over a perceived lack of communication regarding the new educational strategies being implemented. Eric Avelgaard, a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, urged the board to provide clearer information and involve parents in discussions about changes that directly affect their children.

The board's decisions regarding the integration of special needs students into mainstream classrooms are set to have significant implications for the educational landscape in Osceola County. As parents and educators continue to advocate for the needs of these students, the board faces mounting pressure to ensure that all children receive the support necessary for their success.