Parent says special-needs program lacks trained staff; seeks out-of-district placement

Ashley Diaz, a parent of a 7-year-old student on the autism spectrum, told the board that her son’s program at the Maple Hill annex Grama Moon lacks registered behavior technicians and adequate staff support, which she said has caused academic and social regression.

Diaz said her son had previously shown “tremendous progress” using an AAC device, made strong MAP test gains and was highlighted as a success in the district’s 8–12 program. She said that this year he is being removed from class and sent to administrators or the sensory room instead of receiving behavior supports and skill-building interventions. Diaz said staff have threatened disciplinary action and that some students are isolated rather than included with non-disabled peers.

“Without that trained staff, my son’s behavioral challenges have been handled through removal from the class instead of through support and skill building,” Diaz said. She told trustees she is seeking an out-of-district placement to secure services she said the district has not provided.

Why it matters: The allegation raises questions about whether the district is providing a free and appropriate public education to students with disabilities, as commenters argued. Diaz urged the district to add trained staff, behavior supports and inclusion opportunities and to review hiring and program practices for special education at the Maple Hill annex.

Board members did not announce programmatic changes during the meeting. Diaz asked the board to “please take a serious look at how these programs are being run, who is being hired, and whether our district is truly meeting the needs of its most vulnerable students.”