During the Colonial Heights Public Schools Regular Monthly Board Meeting held on September 23, 2025, significant concerns were raised regarding the current speech therapy services at Lakeview Elementary School. Morgan Shinkle, a parent and pre-kindergarten teacher at Lakeview, addressed the board, highlighting the challenges posed by the ongoing reliance on a virtual speech pathologist and an in-person speech pathologist assistant (SLPA).

Shinkle emphasized that this arrangement, now in its second year, is not meeting the needs of students effectively. She pointed out that the absence of a fully licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) in the building complicates essential testing processes. The SLPA is not authorized to administer testing, which forces students to undergo assessments remotely or rely on already stretched SLPs within the district. This situation raises concerns about the quality of services provided to young learners, particularly those in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, who require timely and effective speech interventions.

The implications of these challenges are significant, as they affect not only the students receiving speech services but also the overall educational environment at Lakeview. Shinkle's testimony reflects a broader issue within the district regarding the adequacy of support services for students with special needs.

In addition to Shinkle's concerns, the meeting included discussions on various other topics, although none appeared to carry the same weight as the speech services issue. The board's response to Shinkle's testimony and any subsequent actions taken will be crucial in determining how the district addresses these pressing needs.

As the meeting concluded, the community remains attentive to the board's next steps in ensuring that all students, particularly those requiring specialized services, receive the support they need to thrive in their educational journeys.