Parent urges Wappingers Falls school board to address mental health and classroom disruptions

The Wappingers Central School District (WCSD) Board of Education meeting held on April 7, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding the Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) settings at Myers Elementary School. The meeting featured a poignant testimony from a parent and licensed mental health counselor, who expressed deep frustration over the learning environment for students in these classrooms.

The parent, who has two children in ICT settings, highlighted that their educational experiences have been severely disrupted by behavioral issues among peers. She noted that her son, who has a tic disorder, has been particularly affected, experiencing increased anxiety and distress due to the classroom dynamics. The parent emphasized that despite previous communications with the board, there has been little to no improvement in the situation, leaving families feeling unsupported.

The speaker called for urgent action, stating that the current approach to mental health and special education within the district is inadequate. She criticized the hiring of a behavior analyst group, claiming that it has not yielded positive results and that the same problems persist. The parent urged the board to prioritize the mental health needs of students and to collaborate with families to find effective solutions.

The meeting underscored the growing concern among parents regarding the educational and emotional well-being of their children in the district. As the school year approaches its end, the urgency for addressing these issues has intensified, with parents expressing a commitment to advocate for necessary changes. The board's response to these concerns will be crucial in shaping the future of the ICT settings and the overall support for students in the district.