Special education parent tells board families feel dismissed; cites 869 students with IEPs

At the Aug. 12 meeting Daisy Sherman, co‑chair of the district’s Special Education Advisory Committee, told the board that special education families feel dismissed and urged board members to improve understanding and inclusion.

Sherman told the board she was speaking on behalf of herself and her son and said, "As of last numbers that I was given, Celine has 869 students with IEPs. Total enrollment for the district is 4,669 students. That means that nearly 20% of the students enrolled in Celine are part of the special education program." She described Saline as having a strong special education program historically but said recent comments at a prior meeting had been "dismissive and belittling" and had left families feeling "insignificant and unimportant." "We as parents of kids with disabilities want what every parent wants. For our kids to feel wanted and supported and included," she said.

Sherman urged the board to reflect, to "take the time to reflect and consider ways to improve your understanding of the significance of special education in the district," and to recognize the value special education students add to the community.

Ending: The board thanked Sherman for her remarks; no formal board action followed during public comment.