Parents and staff press board over Exceptional Achievers program; superintendent says investigation ongoing

Several parents and community members used the public-comment period at the School Town of Munster board meeting April 14 to raise concerns about recent staffing changes and program management in the Exceptional Achievers special-education program.

Speakers said changes earlier this year removed long-serving aides and at least one teacher, and they described effects on students who rely on routine and familiar staff. Miss Saint Pierre said she was contesting a termination and asked the board for a formal review; other commenters asked for faster remedies and greater family involvement in decisions. Ms. David, who identified herself as a parent of a nonverbal daughter, said her child now "flinches when we open our arms" after staff changes and asked the district to install cameras in special-education classrooms to protect students and document care.

Superintendent Dr. David Heller said the district is conducting a "very thorough investigation" and named Assistant Superintendent Bergen and another administrator, Yost, as staff who have been carrying out the review. He said the administration will schedule individual meetings with the parents of every child in the program to discuss findings and any recommended changes. "We are committed to making sure that we make the changes that we need to make no matter how small or large they need to be," Heller said.

What commenters said: Miss Saint Pierre (public comment): "I hereby request a formal review of my dismissal, including an investigation into the actions and motivations of all individuals involved." (direct quote)

Ms. Allen (public comment) said the program "lost a whole year due to incompetent leadership... the students lost a whole year" and urged the board to make changes or notify families quickly so they can seek other programs if needed.

Ms. David (public comment) said, "We need cameras to be placed in special ed classroom. We need to make this happen because our children have no voice."

Administrators' response and next steps: Dr. Heller said Mrs. Bergen and Mrs. Yost "have done exactly what I've asked them to do, which is, dig in as deeply and thoroughly as necessary to identify any issues and to come back to me with findings and recommendations." Heller said the investigation should conclude "hopefully in the next few days," and that the district will follow up individually with families about how findings affect their children.

Other related items: Dr. Chakalas, director of Exceptional Achievers, reported on program activities including a student-led IEP case conference, unified track practices and social events; she highlighted increased student participation in unified athletics and collaborative activities with partner programs.

The public comments indicated strong caregiver concern over staffing decisions, communication and program continuity. Board members repeatedly told speakers they take the concerns seriously and that the administration is leading the investigation. The board did not take a separate formal action on the program at the meeting; Dr. Heller said subsequent actions and specific corrective steps will follow the investigation.