Parents ask Valley View board to grant transportation exception for student with IEP

Parents Jerry and Selena Jeter told the Valley View School District Board of Education on July 14 that the district denied a transportation appeal for their son Jackson after approving his special placement at Jamie McGee Elementary. Their written appeal was filed May 8 and followed up July 8, the family said. Jerry Jeter Sr. said the family requested the placement because their older son experienced what they described as “serious mistreatment” and IEP violations at their assigned home school, Independence Elementary. Jeter said the older son’s support services were removed without family input, he was “locked in classrooms,” and the family filed a state complaint that was founded; after transfer to Jamie McGee the family reported improvement in the older child’s well‑being and progress. “...we're being told that because his placement was considered a special request that the district won't provide transportation,” Jeter said, asking the board to review the appeal and consider “granting an exception for transportation based on the unique and well documented circumstances surrounding our family.” The family said they provided contact information for follow-up. The board did not take an immediate vote; the public comment drew a commitment from staff to follow up. The Jeters requested equitable access to school transportation for their younger child, citing safety, fairness and the child’s IEP as the basis for an exception.