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Parents press TUSD on PBIS training and request transportation for out-of‑zone student
Summary
Several parents used public comment to urge district action: one requested permanent transportation for an out-of-zone student assigned to Legacy, and multiple parents described what they say are incorrect PBIS implementations and asked for staff training and policy clarity.
At the Tustin Unified School District board meeting, multiple public commenters urged the district to address two operational concerns: transportation for an out-of-zone student and what parents described as inconsistent or incorrect implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
Maria Sandoval, a district nutrition services employee, asked the board to provide a permanent transportation solution for her daughter, who was assigned out of zone to Legacy despite belonging to Sycamore. Sandoval said carpooling was not a reliable option for her family and asked the district to consider a bus or other regular transportation so the student can attend Legacy safely and without ad-hoc arrangements.
Two parents, Kristen Cummings and Richard Cummings, testified about PBIS. Kristen Cummings, who said she holds a master’s degree in education with a concentration in special education and applied behavior analysis, recommended district-wide training and described PBIS as an evidence-based framework intended to improve social-emotional competence and school climate when implemented correctly. She said PBIS requires systematic training and cautioned that piecemeal or altered implementations undermine its effectiveness.
Richard Cummings provided concrete examples he said demonstrate incorrect practice: teachers and staff removing previously earned PBIS rewards ("caught-in-the-act" cards) as a form of consequence—he argued that, per pbis.org guidance, earned rewards should not be retracted—and an attempted online deduction of points by a teacher. He said these practices had not been resolved after raising them with staff and principals and asked the board what the district would do to retrain staff and ensure correct PBIS implementation going forward.
Board members did not provide immediate responses during public comment, noting the board typically does not reply in that period. The meeting moved later to presentations and formal agenda items. The board did not take any immediate, recorded formal action on transportation or PBIS during this session.
