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Parents and trustees press Carmel schools over alleged IEP failures after student excluded from tryout
Summary
Multiple public speakers and trustees told the Carmel Central School District Board on Dec. 3 that district staff failed to provide required 1:1 special-education support during a modified sports tryout, leaving a student isolated and in tears; the board and superintendent committed to layered contingency plans and follow-up.
At the Dec. 3 meeting of the Carmel Central School District Board of Education, parents and community members accused district staff of failing to follow Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements, describing incidents in which students were denied access to extracurricular activities and support.
Megan Williams told the board her daughter, who is entitled to a 1:1 aide under her IEP, "was not even allowed on the mat" during a modified sports tryout and "was made to sit in the corner," prompting frantic calls and texts to her mother. "You broke a law," Williams said of the district's failure to implement the IEP.
Multiple speakers echoed Williams. Samantha Folling said some staff "do not care" and urged the district to "start weeding out these people that are only here to hurt children." Abigail Lions, speaking for members of the Hispanic community, said language access and on-site 1:1 support are essential for families to participate and be heard.
Board President Orser acknowledged the severity of the allegations and said the district has discussed similar incidents in committee: "No child should be denied access to any program in this district ever." Superintendent Dr. Liz Kennedy told the board she had already taken immediate steps that day to increase backup coverage, including contacting BOCES and private agencies and establishing multiple contingency levels so a district administrator or other approved person will cover when a 1:1 aide is not available.
Trustee Wise emphasized that failures to follow an IEP are violations of state and federal law, not merely policy lapses, and said disciplinary and compliance responses must be more serious when staff do not meet legal obligations.
The board asked administration to develop and implement contingency plans, to review each student with IEP-required supports, and to report back on corrective actions and family outreach. The board did not take a formal vote on remedies during the meeting but directed administration to follow up with the family and provide a timeline for corrective steps.
The discussion closed with public demands for accountability and immediate operational changes to prevent recurrence; trustees said they would continue oversight and expect written follow-up from the superintendent.
