Mackenzie Coffey raises concerns about school support for children with autism

Concerns over special education services and aging school facilities dominated the Dunlap School Board meeting on May 21, 2025, as parents voiced their frustrations during the public participation segment.

Mackenzie Coffey, a mother of two children with autism, raised critical issues regarding her son's educational placement and the adequacy of therapy services. Coffey highlighted her struggle to find the right school for her son, noting that a request she submitted had been mishandled. She expressed concern over the qualifications of staff providing therapy, specifically mentioning a therapist who lacks the necessary Illinois license. "Children should not be placed in an emotional behavior classroom for maladaptive behavior," Coffey stated, emphasizing the need for appropriate educational settings for children with diverse needs.

Another parent, who chose to remain anonymous, criticized the lack of progress on school renovations, particularly at Ronald Reagan School, which he described as outdated. "Two-thirds of my tax money goes to pay for the school, and I still don't see any construction work," he lamented, calling for accountability and improvements to the learning environment.

The meeting also featured Natalie, who urged the board to consider the state of the school's facilities, particularly the pool and locker rooms, which she described as challenging to use.

As the board moved on to discuss various informational items, including financial reports and a cooperative agreement for crisis response, the concerns raised by parents underscored a pressing need for attention to both special education services and infrastructure improvements within the district. The board's next steps in addressing these issues remain to be seen, but the voices of concerned parents are likely to resonate as discussions continue.