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Parents and advocates tell Seminole board they want audits, accountability for special education
Summary
Multiple speakers accused the district of mismanaging special education records and lowering expectations for students with disabilities; speakers asked for a full audit, clearer documentation protocols, and higher expectations rather than apologies alone.
Several parents, advocates and educators used the April 8 public-comment period to raise concerns about special education operations in Seminole County, including allegations of misplaced or mishandled special education files, insufficient transparency and lowered expectations for students with disabilities.
Jamie Davis, who identified herself as a concerned stakeholder, told the board the district has engaged in “unacceptable mismanagement of special education files” and said repeated apologies from district leadership had not been accompanied by “action, transparency, or accountability.” Davis urged a full audit of special education programs and processes, clear documentation and accountability protocols, and staff training on compliance and equity.
Other speakers raised related concerns. David White said families have faced obstruction and “stonewalling” when attempting to secure medical and procedural accommodations; he said parents will not be silenced and pressed the board to represent constituents. Michelle De Jesus, a special education teacher, warned that shifting enrollment and voucher use is concentrating ESE students in public classrooms while resources and staffing have not been adjusted to match growing need. Several commenters referenced IEP and 504 protections and asked the board to prioritize staffing and equitable funding for special services.
Board members took public comments but did not announce a formal audit or a specific follow-up motion during the meeting. Member Sanchez and others urged community members to use available hotlines and reporting numbers they mentioned during comments if they suspect abuse; Sanchez also said she would take responsibility for improving calendar scheduling after a separate public concern about prom dates colliding with Passover.
Speakers asked the board for greater transparency, faster records access and clear corrective steps. The board did not take formal action on the requests during the meeting.
