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Parents raise concerns about transparency, bullying and facility testing; board explains complaint and testing processes
Summary
A parent used public comment to say she had pulled her child from RSU 10, citing alleged nepotism, bullying and lack of water and air testing. Board members and the superintendent responded with steps to follow complaint processes, and staff described recent facility adjustments to middle-school spaces.
During the public-comment period, a parent identified as Amanda said she had removed her daughter from RSU 10 and returned to homeschooling, citing repeated complaints the parent said were not addressed. "I've pulled my daughter, and we're back to homeschooling because deaf ears and nepotism and bullying," Amanda said. She also listed concerns including "lack of water testing, lack of air quality testing" and urged the board for transparency about the building and grounds account.
Board members responded during later discussion. Bonnie acknowledged that staff at Rumford Elementary had worked hard to address growing pains in the building and asked for updates on water-fountain testing at MES. The superintendent replied that the district follows state-regulated water testing protocols: results determine whether retesting is required. "So if results come in and they say, okay, you don't need to retest, we don't just retest," she said, adding that the district acts on the state lab's guidance and will retest if there is a documented reason.
Board members also addressed special-education concerns raised during public comment. The superintendent explained the process for families unhappy with an IEP (individualized education program) or a 504 accommodation plan: parents should first raise issues with the case manager (usually the special-education teacher) or building administrator; if unresolved, the issue can be elevated to the special-education director or assistant director and follow procedural steps outlined in federal and state rules. "When people are not happy with an IEP ... they need to go to [the case manager], and if they can't just fix it by talking, you'd ask for a meeting," she said.
Separately, board members discussed physical changes to seventh- and eighth-grade spaces implemented during vacation week. The superintendent and facilities staff described new cubbies and partition adjustments to widen a hallway and stabilize partitions; she said the fire chief planned a walkthrough to inspect changes. A board member flagged a continuing tripping hazard from rugs and asked facilities staff to investigate; facilities staff said rubber mats for staff and additional cubbies have been provided, and that pulling and reinstalling old lockers would have required more manpower and delay.
The board encouraged parents with operational or special-education concerns to use the administrative chain first and attend committee meetings (finance, buildings and grounds, personnel) where many issues can be addressed in more detail. Board members also said the committees are public and invited community members to attend; public comment at committee meetings is at the committee chair's discretion.
