Summary
Brenda Marks presented Virginia Department of Education complaint records alleging deficiencies in special education services and urged the board to act; she said 29 complaints were filed in the past five years with a portion found or affirmed.
At the Oct. 1 meeting, Brenda Marks addressed the board during public comment, presenting records she received from the state regarding special education complaints filed against Hampton City Schools.
Marks said she requested four years of documentation and that state records show 29 complaints over the last five years. She reported that 38% of the complaints were filed in the 2024–25 school year, and that 41% of the complaints were “founded or affirmed” by the state. She also said that 21% were labeled withdrawn (which the state says generally reflects resolution between parent and division before the conclusion of an investigation) and that 38% were dismissed by the state. Marks said there was at least one valid complaint each year for the last five years and urged the board to take the data seriously.
Addressing the board directly, Marks said, “I’m telling you, the signal you are sending is you do not care about our children,” and said she would pursue other avenues until she saw stronger board action.
Board members acknowledged receiving the materials and asked Marks to send electronic copies for easier review. The superintendent’s office and board clerk were copied on the public comment record for follow-up as appropriate.
