ABA Providers Ask Randolph County Schools for MOU to Deliver In-School Services; Resident Raises Drug-House Safety Concerns

At the meeting, Ben and Kristen Harden, who provide one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for students with autism, urged the board to adopt a memorandum of understanding (MOU) so external providers can deliver services in schools with clarity and consistent expectations.

Kristen Harden presented three documents: an informational overview of ABA, a public flyer and a mock Randolph County MOU based on templates used by other local districts. "We're not asking you to change any policies," she said. "ABA is just like any other health care provider." The Hardens asked the board to consider options used by neighboring districts, such as limiting the number of approved providers (as Wake County does) or allowing any qualified provider (as Chatham County does).

During public comment that followed, resident Tracy Smith submitted photographs and described what she called an ongoing drug-house problem across the street from an elementary school. Smith said multiple occupants live in cramped units and that activity near the home places students at risk during morning drop-off. She urged board members to confer with principals and staff about the hazard, saying, "My concern is it being a drug house." Smith also voiced concerns about local city leadership responses to the problem.

Board members accepted the public comments and asked staff to circulate the Hardens' materials; there was no immediate board vote or directive to adopt a specific MOU template during the meeting.