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Parents urge board to reject proposed elimination of ABA services; district to consider comment
Summary
A written public comment submitted by Chris and Krista Johnson urged the Jackson County Public Schools board to oppose a proposed policy change they say would eliminate Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, arguing ABA, often paid by insurance, is essential for students with autism and inclusion in general classrooms.
A written public comment read at the Jackson County Public Schools board meeting on Wednesday urged trustees to oppose a proposed policy change that, according to the authors, would eliminate Applied Behavior Analysis services in district schools.
"We strongly object to a policy that eliminates ABA services for students in Jackson County," the letter from parents Chris and Krista Johnson said. The Johnsons said ABA is an "evidence based practice" and "the gold standard for helping children with autism spectrum disorder," and argued determinations about ABA support should be made case‑by‑case by a child’s IEP team.
The letter said the Johnsons’ child has benefited from individualized ABA support provided at no cost to the district because the family’s insurance covered the service, and warned that a blanket district policy would harm vulnerable students and their classmates.
"By removing this service, it would be harder for him to learn, to make friends, to integrate, and to be a productive and contributing member of this community," the letter said. "Our child matters, and this support is vital to his continued success."
The written comment was read into the record by staff during the public‑comment portion of the meeting; no district official provided an immediate answer on the record to the Johnsons’ request. Board members acknowledged receiving public comments and said they would consider them as conversations about the policy continue.
Context: The written comment referenced a policy expected to be discussed by the board; the transcript did not show a vote on a policy change regarding ABA services that evening. The district’s public agenda that night focused primarily on Jackson Community School, budget amendments, construction change orders, policy updates generally and personnel actions.
Next steps: Board members said public feedback would inform ongoing discussion; the Johnsons’ written comment will be included in the record and considered along with other input as the board evaluates any policy proposals affecting special‑education services.
