Parents press board over bullying, special-education exclusion and school communication failures

Several parents and family members used the public-comment period at the March 13 San Antonio School District meeting to describe repeated incidents of bullying, alleged staff inaction and failures of communication at Willow Elementary and other district schools.

Griselda Becerra described a sequence of missed meetings and what she called “misconduct” affecting her fourth-grade daughter at Willow Elementary. Becerra said scheduled meetings were postponed and that she has “objective evidence” including recorded conversations and email chains; she asked the board to take action and said other parents report similar problems.

Christina Casa told the board her sixth-grade son in the district’s special-education program was excluded from sixth-grade camp without prior notice, permission slips or communications; she said he experienced a “meltdown” when he could not join the trip and asked the board to explain who made the decision and on what criteria.

Allison Murillo described repeated bullying and physical aggression affecting her brother, a third-grade special-education student. Murillo said incidents have been formally reported but the district’s response has not prevented repeat harm; she criticized school and district staff for minimizing the incidents and not providing effective protection. Karina Lobez (also identified in public comments) raised related complaints about physical assaults on her child and concerns about access to basic facilities, and said parents had been excluded or threatened at school meetings.

Why it matters: parents described alleged harms to students with special needs and a pattern of communication breakdowns that they say are not being resolved at individual schools. The board and superintendent acknowledged the speakers and offered follow-up meetings; the superintendent said district staff would contact commenters to schedule follow-up and review their concerns.

Board response and next steps Superintendent Gina Potter acknowledged receipt of emailed concerns and said staff would follow up; she told speakers the district would schedule meetings to review the incidents. Board members thanked speakers for coming and said the district has complaint and grievance processes that parents should use; one board member urged parents to submit written complaints and reminded the public that the district will arrange meetings in Spanish if needed.

Ending: Several parents asked for urgent action and improved communication; the superintendent said staff would contact commenters to schedule follow-up meetings.