A heartfelt plea for the preservation of a vital preschool phonology program took center stage at the Fond du Lac School District Board Meeting on May 28, 2025. Parent Brooke Freismuth passionately advocated for the program, which supports children with severe speech delays, emphasizing its transformative impact on her child's life.

Freismuth shared her personal experience, revealing that her preschooler was 75% unintelligible before joining the program in March. She described the emotional toll of communication struggles, noting that they led to low confidence, social isolation, and behavioral issues. "When a child can't share their thoughts or needs, it leads to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even depression," she stated, highlighting the long-term consequences of speech delays.

Since enrolling, Freismuth reported remarkable progress in her child's communication skills, noting that he is now understood most of the time and is more engaged in classroom activities. She underscored the importance of a group setting, where children learn to interact socially and build friendships, skills that cannot be replicated through isolated therapy sessions.

Freismuth raised concerns about conflicting reasons for the program's potential cuts, citing budget issues and a shift away from specialized programs. "Regardless of the reason, I believe that this program is crucial for our children," she urged, calling on the board to reconsider any plans to eliminate it. "These children are counting on it, and their futures depend on it."

The emotional testimony resonated with attendees, spotlighting the critical need for support programs that foster communication and social skills in young children. As the board deliberates, the future of this essential program hangs in the balance, with many parents and advocates hoping for a favorable outcome.