Parents and students advocate for special education program continuity at Willow Canyon High School

Dysart Unified District's Governing Board meeting on March 24, 2024, highlighted significant concerns regarding the future of special education programs, particularly the impact of proposed school changes on students with disabilities. Parents, educators, and students voiced their worries about the emotional and educational consequences of relocating students from Willow Canyon High School to a different school next year.

One parent, a nurse with extensive experience in hospice care, passionately advocated for her daughter and other students facing complex medical and educational challenges. She criticized the board's decision to cut special education programs, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making that considers the unique needs of these students. "You are cutting the special ed program for human beings that have been through many trials and tribulations," she stated, urging board members to recognize the gravity of their choices.

Shanna Murrell, a care worker for a student named Caitlin, echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over Caitlin's devastation at the prospect of leaving her friends and familiar environment. Murrell suggested that the community could rally together to find funding solutions to keep students in their current schools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability for those with disabilities.

Ian Palmer, a graduating senior at Willow Canyon, also shared his perspective, highlighting the emotional stress that moving to a new school would cause for his classmates with disabilities. He urged the board to consider the negative effects of such changes and to prioritize the well-being of these students, stating, "These people are human beings. This isn't fair for them."

The discussions at the meeting underscored a collective call for the board to explore alternative solutions that would allow students to remain in their current educational settings, ensuring they continue to receive the support and resources they need. As the board considers these concerns, the community remains hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes the needs of all students, particularly those with disabilities.