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Parents press Florence 1 board on medical homebound process and access to Compass Academy; Savannah Grove residents back new school
Summary
A parent raised concerns about delayed medical homebound accommodations and difficulty accessing Compass Academy information; Savannah Grove Community Action League urged continued collaboration on a proposed new Savannah Grove Elementary School.
During the public‑participation portion of the meeting, two community members pressed the board on student services and school construction planning.
Gloria C. L. Jones, speaking as a parent, said her son — a student with a disability served through an IEP — has experienced delays getting medical homebound accommodations. Jones said she provided medical documentation and has repeatedly sought a meeting with the IEP team but was told to wait for a single administrator. She told the board she had filed a due process hearing and said the district is incurring attorney fees as a result.
Jones also asked how parents can obtain information about Compass Academy — what services it provides, who is eligible and how to enroll — saying that multiple parents have requested such information and felt ignored. Her remarks included: "I filed a due process here, which is costing the district lots of money. And it is ridiculous." (Quote verbatim from the public comment in the transcript.)
Doris Lockhart, president of the Savannah Grove Community Action League, thanked the board and district leaders for their work with Florence County Council on advancing plans for a new Savannah Grove Elementary School. Lockhart said the community leaders identified themselves to stay engaged through planning and requested ongoing communication as the project moves forward. "Please know that there is substantial interest in continuing the community collaboration as the planning move forward," she said.
Why it matters: Jones’ comments raise procedural concerns about how medical homebound services and IEP team meetings are being scheduled and whether parents can get timely information about specialized programs such as Compass Academy. Lockhart’s remarks indicate local community support and continued collaboration with county officials on school construction planning.
The board did not take action during public comment; the business agenda followed.
