Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Candidates address special-education services, student discipline and vocational programs
Summary
Forum candidates discussed coordination with the Special School District, classroom discipline and new vocational offerings; incumbents described existing collaborations and program expansions while challengers called for stronger discipline and more emphasis on academics and vocational training.
Candidates at the League of Women Voters forum addressed how Lindbergh should serve vulnerable students, manage disruptive behavior and expand career-technical offerings.
Coordination with SSD: Several candidates described an improving relationship between Lindbergh and the Special School District (SSD), which provides many special-education services. Jennifer Miller said SSD staffing changes threatened services at Lindbergh but that a Lindbergh-based SSD director "fought and was able to keep seven" positions after SSD proposed cutting 10. David Randleman and Julia Voss described a liaison in district offices intended to strengthen coordination. Challenger Russell Dahmer described SSD as a separate district that must coordinate with Lindbergh leadership to meet student needs.
Student safety and discipline: Candidates agreed discipline is a growing concern but differed on approach. Randleman and Dahmer called for firmer discipline and for principals and, when needed, law enforcement to be involved for violent or dangerous incidents. Voss and Miller emphasized paired approaches that remove disruptive students from classrooms to preserve learning while also addressing root causes and providing counseling; Voss noted the district has added counselors to help students with non-academic needs.
Vocational and life-skills education: Several candidates pointed to new or proposed programs. Miller outlined expanded offerings at the high school: a CNA program begun via grant, an EMT certification course, an "amped" algebra-business course worth two credits, and a shop class that integrates geometry; she also cited internships and workforce-development partnerships. Voss and Randleman supported more vocational opportunities and life-skills courses such as personal finance and basic survival skills after students asked for real-world classes.
Why it matters: Coordination with SSD affects students with disabilities; discipline policy affects classroom learning and staff retention; and vocational programming affects post-graduation pathways. Several candidates framed these issues as practical, operational concerns that the next board will confront.
No formal board actions were taken at the forum; candidates described existing arrangements and proposed priorities they would pursue if elected.
