Parents and staff urge district action after Emotional Growth Center moved into Jacob Whismer; reports of injuries and threats

Multiple parents and a special‑education teacher told the Beaverton School Board on April 8 that moving an Emotional Growth Center (EGC) program into Jacob Whismer Elementary has coincided with repeated classroom disruptions, student injuries and threats.

The speakers said the EGC had been planned for Saddle Elementary under the district’s 2021 long‑range facilities plan but “was moved to Jacob Whismer” last fall without broad notice to families. Parent Bella Modi told the board, “When that program was moved to Jacob Whismer Elementary, none of those facility infrastructure safety measures or staff training to regular teachers came with that program,” and said her son “was kicked in the stomach 5 times.”

Why it matters: Parents and staff said the change reduced physical separation and specialized supports the EGC had in its prior location, and they asked the board for immediate steps to protect victims and reduce violence during the school day.

Details from public comment - Joel Sturm said he represents “some…