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Parents and advocates tell Seminole board special-education grievances, retaliation and PWN problems persist
Summary
Two public commenters told the board they see ongoing retaliation in ESE services and urged consistent use of Prior Written Notice and stronger civil-rights compliance.
At the Sept. 16 Seminole County School Board meeting, parents and advocates urged the district to strengthen protections for students with disabilities, to enforce Prior Written Notice (PWN) in IEP changes and to address alleged retaliation by staff.
"SCPS policy 24 60 outlines the school board's commitment to providing free appropriate public education for students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws. Is SCPS enforcing the law? Nope," said Raquel Molina, who identified herself as a Seminole County resident and parent. Molina told the board she has observed what she described as ongoing retaliation against teachers and parents who advocate for students with disabilities and said the district had failed to provide PWNs in some situations.
Why it matters: Parents said failures around PWN and retaliation undermine accountability and parentstrust during individualized-education-plan decisions; advocates asked for a stronger civil-rights/compliance office and disciplinary action for employees who retaliate.
Key points from speakers - Raquel Molina urged parents to request Prior Written Notice in IEP meetings because, she said, IDEA (the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) mandates PWN before placement changes or service denials. She alleged the district did not consistently follow those requirements and called for improved enforcement. - Nina Sandberg, also speaking during public comment, advised the board against adopting policies that would erode civil rights and urged stronger grievance processes, arguing that the district should discipline employees who engage in retaliation and must make complaint processes respectful and effective. - Both speakers gave examples they described as retaliation: Molina said she observed retaliation against a teacher in April/May and said the district had taken legal action last year to try to block a child's medical accommodations; Sandberg recounted a past instance where a teacher retaliated against her son after she complained publicly about missing textbooks.
Board response and actions No new board policy was adopted during the meeting. The speakers urged the board to ensure the civil-rights and compliance offices function and to apply proportionate disciplinary measures for employees who retaliate. The board did not record any immediate action or vote on these requests during the Sept. 16 meeting.
Documentation and authorities cited Speakers referenced SCPS policy 24-60 and federal IDEA requirements concerning Prior Written Notice. They urged parents and advocates to document PWNs to create a paper trail for accountability.
