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Parent warns board that special‑education and student‑of‑color outcomes need attention
Summary
A first‑time public commenter told the board that students of color and students in special education face higher suspension rates, lower graduation and poor access to services; the board acknowledged the concern but did not debate specifics at the meeting.
During public comment, Jennifer Damaris urged the Tempe Union Governing Board to address disparities for students of color and students with special needs. Damaris described personal struggles navigating IEP meetings for her tenth‑grade son, recounted a mediation that temporarily restored services and said the family continues to face barriers in receiving consistent supports.
She told the board she had observed higher suspension rates for students of color, lower graduation rates and poor statewide assessment outcomes for those groups. Damaris named school and district staff who attend IEP meetings at her son's school and said she is "fighting for my son's life" to secure the supports he needs to succeed.
The board thanked Damaris for raising the issue; no board action was taken at the time, and administration did not offer an immediate, detailed rebuttal on the record. The concern was entered into the public record and may inform subsequent staff follow‑up and agenda items.
