Parents tell Natrona County school board relocation plan risks special‑education students; one speaker says she filed IDEA complaints

Two parents urged the Natrona County School District #1 Board of Trustees on Monday to reconsider plans that would relocate programs serving students with disabilities and to include families in future decision‑making.

Kaya Spiva, who identified herself as the mother of a child enrolled in the FLS program at PV, told trustees the move would separate her son from his brother and risk the progress he has made in speech and social skills. “I am pleading to you, please reevaluate all the options and include us in future decision making,” Spiva said.

The comments followed a separate public statement from Genevieve Hugo, who told the board she has filed a second complaint with the Wyoming Department of Education alleging the district failed to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Hugo said the Department found in her favor, that her son’s individualized education program was not being followed during the Department’s investigation, and that she has opened a 15‑page due‑process hearing and is representing herself because of conflicts with local education attorneys.

Why it matters: Trustees said they are listening to parents’ concerns and that the district recognizes the sensitivity of special‑education changes. Parents and guardians of students in specialized programs often raise issues about continuity, regression and the need for family input when programs move or consolidate.

What was said and asked: Spiva described how her son, who has a rare condition, takes time to adjust to new people and settings and that consistent exposure is essential to his progress. Hugo told the board she had previously sought help by email and through internal processes and alleged the district did not follow board policy; she said the lack of available independent education attorneys in Casper limited her options.

Board response and next steps: Trustees acknowledged the public comments during the meeting and several members said the board is reading emails and paying attention to the concerns raised. No formal board action to change the relocation was taken at the meeting. The superintendent and trustees reiterated that further discussion with families and administrators would be part of subsequent planning.

What to watch for: The district’s handling of the FLS program relocation and any outcomes of Hugo’s due‑process filing and the Wyoming Department of Education’s prior findings are matters that could return to future board agendas.