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Teachers and parents tell board bus delays and an unfilled special-education post are disrupting learning
Summary
A science teacher and a parent urged the Board of Education to address late buses operated by contractor First Student and to fill a vacant special-education position at Nathan Hale Middle School, saying both problems are harming students' access to instruction.
At the start of the Oct. 14 Board of Education meeting, two members of the public addressed the board about student transportation and a vacant special-education post.
Amy Fox, a science teacher at the district’s cooperative school, said persistent late buses are causing students to miss the start of the school day and undermining district goals for attendance and academic achievement. “Our first class block begins at 07:30, yet many of my students are not arriving until 07:50 or even 08:00,” Fox said. “Hungry kids can't learn.”
Fox said school doors open at 7 a.m. so students can secure phones and receive breakfast, but late buses — Fox identified the contracted provider as First Student — mean students still must clear security and get breakfast before class. She urged the board to hold the contractor accountable if it cannot meet its contractual obligations.
Jessica Ferraro, a parent from Morris Cove whose son attends Nathan Hale Middle School, asked why her son’s special-education teacher has not been replaced. Ferraro said her son has an individualized education program and needs one-on-one services. “He has an IEP, which you as you all know, he's required to get these 1 on 1 services … when are they going to replace the teacher?” she asked.
The board’s chair thanked both speakers and said the comments would be referred to the superintendent’s office for follow-up. No formal board action was taken during public comment.
The superintendent’s office did not provide an on-the-record timeline for investigating or resolving either the transportation punctuality concerns or the staffing vacancy during the meeting.
