Parents of special‑needs students tell Atascadero trustees ILC classrooms are unsafe; board schedules visits, creates advisory committee

Parents of students in Atascadero Unified School District’s Intensive Learning Center (ILC) told the Board of Trustees on Jan. 14 that repeated violent incidents in ILC classrooms are jeopardizing student and staff safety and prompting teacher resignations.

The parents’ delegation said the ILC serves students with significant disabilities, many nonverbal and with mobility needs, and described episodes in which one student’s behavior required evacuating five to six classmates. “It was recently brought to our attention that there is currently 1 student in 1 of the ILC classes that has such extreme and volatile behaviors that require the evacuation of 5 to 6 other students in order to assure ensure their safety,” Jennifer Rain, a parent spokesperson, told trustees during public comment.

Why it matters: Trustees and district leaders said they will follow up with the families and examine supports in the ILC, including behavioral and staffing resources. The board agreed to schedule site visits and to stand up a Special Education Advisory Committee that will include trustees and parents, giving affected families a formal venue to provide input.

What parents said and what the board pledged Jennifer Rain and other parents said they have observed multiple violent episodes, at least two of which they said lasted about 90 minutes, and reported staff were physically assaulted while trying to shield students. Rain said the ILC teacher who supported the affected class resigned, and several paraprofessionals may leave, creating instability for students who “require continuity of care.” She urged trustees to visit the classrooms and meet with families to see conditions firsthand.

The board and superintendent responded in the meeting. Superintendent Jeff Butler thanked the families and said he has contact information and will work with district staff to schedule a meeting: “I can work with Missus Baca to get in touch with all of you, so we'll look to schedule a meeting,” Butler said. Trustee Maya (first reference: Trustee Maya, board member) told attendees she would visit the high‑school campus during a scheduled site visit and asked that the ILC visit be included.

Board action and next steps Trustees approved a motion at the meeting to form an additional board committee that included a Special Education Advisory Committee; the board named trustees to serve on the committee and directed staff to calendar meetings with an expectation that parents and the district’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee will be invited to participate. The committee and district staff will coordinate follow-up meetings, site visits and a schedule for parent input.

How district staff described supports and oversight Caitlin Greenberg, interim director of special education (interim director, special education), and other district staff present confirmed the district will reconvene the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee and coordinate a subcommittee of trustees to participate. Butler and trustees said they want to hear parents’ proposed solutions and explore immediate supports, including behavioral resources and staffing plans.

Community context and clarifying details Parents asked for urgent changes and asked trustees to prioritize visits to both ILC classrooms. The district said it will meet with the families and begin scheduling a special education parent advisory meeting. Trustees said the committee will be used to gather parent input and will advise staff and the board on special education matters.

Ending: a scheduled process for follow-up District leaders and trustees closed the discussion by confirming they will schedule campus visits and calendar the Special Education Advisory Committee. Trustees and staff said they welcome parents’ proposed solutions and committed to follow up within weeks, with dates to be arranged between families and district special education staff.