Parents urge more special‑education, bilingual staff and anti‑bullying enforcement as board readies superintendent search

Multiple speakers during public comment told the Pelham City Board of Education on May 5 that the district needs more special‑education staff, bilingual support and clearer enforcement of anti‑bullying policies.

A student, Emmett, said a peer with muscular dystrophy is "made fun of relentlessly" and asked the board to address bullying. Parents and PTO volunteers described repeated anecdotes of students and families not receiving timely translation services; one parent said there was only one staff member in some buildings able to translate Spanish and urged hiring more bilingual staff. "We need more people that are bilingual," a parent said, and parents noted that about 30% of the student population is Hispanic, a figure raised during the meeting.

A special‑education parent (Kayla) detailed resource shortfalls she said are affecting students with disabilities: she reported the district had one occupational therapist for the entire city school system and requested more aides, teachers and training on assistive technologies, inclusive playground equipment and adult‑size changing tables. Board members acknowledged the concerns and described funding mechanics: state funding is based on prior‑year counts and the district can supplement units with local funds; the district can also pursue state grants for students with specific and severe needs. Board members asked parents to report bullying incidents to teachers and to follow up with district staff or board members when necessary so the board can help ensure appropriate responses.

No new staffing or funding decisions were made at the May 5 meeting; board members said special‑education and bilingual capacity will be considered as part of district planning and in the superintendent search criteria.