Parents and board members warn of risks as district moves special-education cohort amid staff vacancies

Parents and other speakers told the RSU 40/MSAD 40 Board of Directors that the scheduled move of a composite special-education classroom from Miller School to Union School raises major concerns about continuity, staffing and supports for vulnerable learners.

“You are asking the children who are the most vulnerable to changes in location, routine, teachers, and friends … it is going to set them back,” parent Kermita Shorten told the board during public comment, adding that her son spends about 80% of his day integrated with general‑education peers and that continuity of aides, principals and coordinators matters for those students.

Shorten and Jesse Thompson, another parent, said the move was made using incomplete or incorrect information, that some staff have not agreed to transfer, and that district leadership positions that support special education are currently vacant or in flux. Superintendent Steve Mullen reported to the board earlier in the meeting that Casey Lufkin, assistant director of special services, has submitted her resignation; he said the district will follow its normal hiring process and that board members would be invited to participate in interviews.

The parents said Union School currently lacks a principal in place, that some classroom teacher openings exist, and that several roles that support special education (district coordinator, assistant coordinator, occupational therapy coverage) may be unfilled or uncertain at the July 1 transition date. Thompson said comments made at a prior board meeting—though later qualified—left some families feeling unwelcome and urged board members to hold themselves to a high standard in public remarks.

Board members and administrators did not vote on the special-education placement during the public-comment segment. The board chair invited the superintendent and staff to address operational questions and said hiring and administrative processes will follow policy and law. No final administrative decision or additional motions about the placement were recorded in this session.

Parents asked for clearer written information about who will staff the classroom, what aides have committed to transfer, and what coordinator or specialist coverage will be available after the move. They also asked the board to ensure recruitment and onboarding for experienced special‑education staff are prioritized so students do not lose services when the classroom changes location.

The board packet and subsequent discussion indicated the district will follow existing hiring procedures for administrative roles; the superintendent said staff would reach out to board members when it is time to interview candidates for the assistant director vacancy.

Parents asked the board to keep the record of their concerns and seek written clarifications about staffing commitments before the transition date.