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Parent voices concern about special-education supports, federal funding uncertainty
Summary
A parent of a child with autism urged more board advocacy and clearer information about special-education funding and administrative processes, saying families were given short notice and limited help securing services.
Jeremy Wilson, a parent of a student with autism, told the Omaha Public Schools board on April 7 he and other parents lack clarity about how special-education funds and services will be allocated if federal changes occur.
Wilson said he has been advocating at the state level and asked the board to do more local advocacy and provide clearer guidance for families of students with disabilities. He told the board he received one week's notice this school year that his daughter would not have a special-education teacher and said he was left to contact schools himself to find placement.
"We need some answers," Wilson said. "Parents with special-education students need to know." He asked the board to make advocacy for special-education services a higher priority and said he would continue to pursue state-level advocacy until families get clearer information.
Board process: the board did not respond during the public-comment period; the meeting packet and staff contact procedures were described by the board secretary for parents who want follow-up.
What happens next: the parent asked for increased board advocacy and clearer communication; district staff said they will follow up with individuals who raised concerns and provided contact procedures for families to request assistance.
