Parents and advocates tell Kent School District board they face systemic special-education failures; board hears safety and Title IX concerns
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Summary
Multiple parents and advocates addressed the board Dec. 10 alleging state findings that the district failed timely to evaluate and provide services to students with disabilities; speakers cited an OSPI finding they described as "substantial," and urged the district to stop defensive litigation and comply with timelines.
Several parents and advocates used the public-comment period at the Kent School District meeting on Dec. 10 to press the board over alleged failures in the district’s special-education practices and the handling of Title IX-related investigations.
Crystal McDonald told the board that the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) issued a formal decision in her complaint and found multiple violations of federal and state special-education law, including failure to conduct timely evaluations, implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) services and ensure meaningful parent participation. McDonald described OSPI’s finding as substantial and warned that continued delays and alleged obstruction could expose the district to additional federal investigation and financial liability under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Attorney and advocate Dr. Nancy Bartley and parent Robin Burchill echoed concerns about delayed evaluations, inconsistent implementation of safety plans, and the intersection of Title IX and disability protections. Bartley said community advocates have created the Kent Special Education Advocacy Clinic to support families who say they face repeated delays and denials. She urged the district to provide training on Title IX as it relates to students with disabilities and to improve family workshops and parent support structures — measures consultants had recommended in a recent special-education workshop but which advocates said were not yet implemented.
The board did not take immediate action during the public comment period. Superintendent Bella later acknowledged the OSPI process and said staff will follow applicable guidance; she reiterated the district’s commitment to addressing systemic issues but did not announce a specific timetable publicly during the meeting.
What the speakers requested: McDonald and others asked the board to acknowledge OSPI findings, expedite evaluations and implement required services, and to stop delaying services that parents say legally must be provided. Advocates also urged better training for staff handling Title IX complaints that overlap with disability issues.
What's next: The public record now includes these allegations and an explicit request for district response. OSPI findings identified in public comment remain the primary external authority referenced; the board and superintendent signaled follow-up but did not announce specific remedial measures at the meeting.