Teacher Victoria Montes advocates for life skills students' access to essential facilities

Victoria Montes, a dedicated teacher at John Kelly School, voiced urgent concerns during the CVUSD Special Board Meeting on May 20, 2025, regarding the relocation of severely handicapped life skills students from the Coquell School to the main John Kelly Elementary campus. Montes highlighted the critical need for immediate access to toilets and changing facilities, which are essential for her students, all of whom have intellectual disabilities and require assistance with toileting.

Montes explained that the current setup at the Coquell campus allows for direct access to necessary facilities, ensuring that students can receive timely help. However, moving to the regular campus would require students to leave their classrooms to access restrooms, a daunting task for many who cannot manage independently. The district's policy mandates that two staff members must be present during any physical assistance, which poses a significant challenge given the limited staffing of two aides and one teacher for her class.

She emphasized that during times when staff are unavailable, such as during lunch breaks or due to absences, there may not be enough personnel to assist students with toileting needs. This could lead to situations where students are left without proper care, undermining their right to a free and appropriate public education as guaranteed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Montes passionately urged the board to reconsider the decision to move her class, advocating for the continued rental of the Coquell Building to ensure that the most vulnerable students in the district have access to the facilities they require. Her plea underscores the pressing need for adequate support and resources for students with disabilities within the CVUSD community.