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Parents and students urge Douglas County SD 4 board to address overcrowding and behavior at Fullerton Elementary
Summary
Multiple parents, a former student and a current student told the board that one Fullerton fourth‑grade cohort is overcrowded and experiencing persistent behavior issues; parents asked the board to provide two instructional assistants and an in‑school behavior room or in‑school suspension option.
Several Fullerton Elementary families told the Douglas County School District 4 board that a single fourth‑grade cohort has become overcrowded and that behavioral problems are undermining instruction.
"There's persistent bullying and harassment going on," parent John Pritchard said during public comment, adding that his daughter's personal belongings had been stolen multiple times and that parents want the board to "come up with some sort of solution."
A current Fullerton student, Zach Jardin, told the board the classroom is often "super noisy and disruptive" and said recess and meal periods feel too short. "I am not learning anything most of the time," he said.
Parent Kate Jarden described multiple midyear teacher changes, large class sizes and students who return from office referrals "still really dysregulated." She asked the board to "bring on 2 IAs and implement in‑school suspension for students that are having behaviors and getting sent to the office."
Another parent, Anna Heacock, who identified herself as a Fullerton family for nine years, said she and other families pulled a child from the school this year because they did not feel it was safe. "I ask on behalf of the parents, the students, the teachers ... that you investigate the learning environment at Fullerton 4 and consider providing extra resources," she said.
What the board said: During director reports a board member requested a follow‑up report on action items to help Fullerton staff manage class size and behavior issues; the board agreed to consider next steps and to gather staff recommendations.
Why it matters: Classroom overcrowding and behavioral disruptions were raised by multiple speakers — current students, a former student and several parents — who requested concrete support (additional instructional assistants and behavior‑support options) to help teachers and restore a safe learning environment.
What’s next: Board members asked administration for follow‑up; the meeting record shows requests for a report on action items addressing the concerns raised, but no policy or staffing commitments were finalized at the meeting.
