A heartfelt plea for accountability in special education took center stage at the Yuma Elementary District's monthly board meeting on September 9, 2025. A concerned parent shared her family's struggles navigating the educational system for her daughter, who has Down syndrome, highlighting significant gaps in support and resources.

The mother recounted her initial hopes for her daughter’s education at Carver Elementary, a school known for its positive reputation. However, due to a lack of availability, her daughter was placed at Mary El Tondo Elementary, where the family faced numerous challenges. Key issues included inadequate hygiene accommodations, such as infrequent diaper changes and the absence of necessary facilities for her daughter to maintain personal hygiene.

After months of advocacy, including emails and meetings with district officials, the family successfully transferred their daughter to Carver, where they found a supportive environment under the care of a dedicated special education teacher, Miss Jimenez. The mother expressed gratitude for the progress her daughter has made but voiced deep concerns about her future as she transitions to middle school and high school.

“Are we going to be back at square one?” she asked, emphasizing the need for a reliable system that ensures the dignity and safety of students with special needs. She called for accountability within the district's Exceptional Student Services (ESS) department, urging the board to prioritize the needs of all students and prevent other families from facing similar struggles.

In response, board members acknowledged the importance of the issues raised and committed to gathering more information to address the situation effectively. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges within the special education framework and the urgent need for systemic improvements to support vulnerable students.