Parent urges outside evaluation after saying daughter remains below grade in reading; teacher defends classroom practice

A parent identified in the meeting as Carla told the Newburgh City School District Board of Education that her daughter, who has an individualized education program, is still reading at a first‑grade level despite approaching sixth grade and sought an outside independent evaluation.

"I want a outside independent evaluation done on my daughter," Carla said, adding that she had repeatedly asked district staff for help and believed her child was not receiving appropriate reading services. She also raised concerns about equity, saying, "She white, she gets services. I'm black, I don't get no services." The parent asked the board to explain why her child had not been included in available reading programs.

Anita Spencer Smith, identified in public comment as a teacher at GAMS, used her time to defend herself and colleagues. "I do not take drugs of any kind, not even a Tylenol," she said, responding to accusatory comments made earlier in the meeting and describing her decades of experience and belief that her students are prepared for sixth grade.

Trustees acknowledged the parent's distress and committed to follow up. Trustee Burks said the parent's comments reflected repeated requests for help and urged staff and board members to identify supports. A district official and members of the public later offered to help connect the family with community resources.

What happens next: trustees and staff said they will pursue follow‑up outside the public meeting to review the student's IEP and determine available interventions. The board did not take formal action during the meeting on this case.