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Parents ask board to fund more high‑school speech‑language pathology time
Summary
Two parents spoke during public comment asking the board to add more speech‑language pathology (SLP) time at Unionville High School, saying the current part‑time SLP has produced measurable progress and the IEP team recommended increased services.
Two parents addressed the board during public comment Oct. 21 to request additional speech‑language pathology resources at Unionville High School.
Dan McGee, who identified himself as a Copson Township resident and parent of a Unionville High sophomore, told the board his son Griffin is on the autism spectrum and receives SLP services through his IEP. McGee said the IEP team unanimously recommended more SLP time to build communication, reading comprehension and life skills, and urged the board to support funding for a full‑time SLP at the high school level.
“My wife and I in our last IEP meeting…unanimously agreed that he needs more SLP time with Miss Jenna Clear,” McGee said, and added that the SLP’s work has been “the connective tissue” for observed improvements.
Beanie McGee, who identified herself as Griffin’s mother, described a recent breakthrough accomplished in a short time frame and asked the board to act because the SLP appears to be achieving gains that could be consolidated with additional time. She said current SLP time is limited each cycle and that the teacher is spread through multiple assignments.
Board members thanked the parents for speaking and several said administration has recommended the position being requested. One member said administration supports the request and board members expressed appreciation for the staff’s work with neurodiverse students. The board did not take an immediate vote during public comment; staff indicated the request would be addressed through administrative and budgetary channels.
The parents asked for additional SLP time to support transition to post‑school work and life skills; the transcript records the parents’ pleas and board members’ acknowledgement but does not show a formal board decision at the meeting.
