Parents press Walled Lake board on TeachTown access and Title IX enforcement at public comment
Summary
Public commenters raised concerns about TeachTown access for special-needs students and urged stronger Title IX enforcement; one speaker called repeated public questions 'ignored' and urged action from the board.
Several members of the public used the board's three-minute public-comment period to press the district on special-education supports and Title IX enforcement.
A parent who identified himself as Ramos said special-needs students and families lacked at-home access to TeachTown — a curriculum used in special education — until shortly before the meeting. "There is no evidence out there for TeachTown... Just for you to know that it's beneficial," Ramos said, and urged the board to "dig into this" and ensure parents of special-needs children receive equitable access and program evidence.
Tim Sawmiller, a Commerce Township resident, urged the board to keep decisions secular and said faith-based decision-making is inappropriate for public-school governance. "Apparently, this reminder needs to be made again... school board decisions based on one's faith is disqualifying," he said.
Gabby Tiaga criticized the board for what she described as repeated inaction on Title IX enforcement. She told the board that she has repeatedly asked questions across multiple meetings and received no answers, saying the pattern of silence "tells our girls their rights are conditional" and urging the board to enforce federal law that protects students.
Board members did not respond with formal action during the public-comment period; staff and board members later acknowledged the concerns and indicated staff would follow up, with some items to be handled by e-mail or future agenda items.
