Parents praise exceptional‑children staff, urge accountability for special‑education concerns

Two speakers addressed the board during public comment on May 13 about their families’ experience with Hoke County Schools’ exceptional‑children (EC) program, both praising staff and urging stronger accountability.

Angela, a parent, described a four‑year journey that moved from therapy sessions to the child development center and then to Sandy Grove Elementary. She named two staff members — Melanie Nunn and EC teacher Tawana Branch — and said the district’s EC teachers “look at each child individually and advocate for their inclusion as they feel they are able and ready to move forward and to succeed.” Angela told the board that her student now scores on grade level in most subjects and spends part of the day in general education classes.

Jennifer Thomas said her grandson, an EC student at Sandy Grove Elementary, has had a mostly positive year but that her concerns raised at a prior meeting were not fully addressed. Jennifer asked the district to hold staff accountable when they make mistakes, saying, “They need to acknowledge. That's the first part.” She noted she represents the child’s caregiving household and will continue to advocate for his needs.

Why this matters: public comment highlights how EC placement and transitions affect students and families and signals a need for clear communication and follow‑up when parents raise concerns.

Board response: the board and administrators acknowledged the comments; staff members present were thanked and the public commenters indicated appreciation for the EC staff named in their remarks.

Ending: comments concluded without board action; the board heard the remarks as part of the public‑comment period.