Parent publicly urges replacement of special education director, alleges poor communication and overreach

During the public comment portion of the May 13 meeting, a parent raised serious concerns about leadership and conduct in Montgomery ISD's special education department and asked the board to replace the department head before the next school year.

Chris Bauer said he and his wife had experienced ongoing miscommunication, unanswered questions and “incorrect or misleading information” from the district regarding their son’s evaluations. "The situation became so concerning this year that we felt compelled to hire an attorney to help us navigate through the confusion and protect our son's rights," Bauer said.

Bauer alleged that the head of special education, identified in his remarks as Carrie Clark, insisted on a district evaluation despite a written recommendation from the family's physician that it was not appropriate at that time. He said the district’s response included involving outside counsel and that the district's attorney and the special education leader initially rejected an independent evaluation the family presented because it had not been performed by district staff.

Bauer also alleged instances of poor communication with the district diagnostician, saying that after weeks without reply he was told "all communication must now go through the district's attorney." He told the board the family's experience had cost the family and the district tens of thousands of dollars and requested that "Mrs. Clark be replaced before the next school year begins."

Board leadership did not take action during public comment; Superintendent Dr. Ruffin later acknowledged the speakers and the board chair asked the superintendent and staff to follow up with the individuals who spoke. No formal investigation or personnel action was announced at the meeting.