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Parents ask for district MOU to allow ABA in schools; resident raises safety concern near elementary
Summary
Two public commenters, Ben and Kristen Harden, urged the board to adopt a memorandum of understanding to let in‑school ABA providers deliver 1:1 services; a separate resident presented photos and requested action on an alleged 'drug house' across from an elementary school.
Ben and Kristen Harden addressed the board during public comment to request that the Randolph County School System adopt or allow a standard memorandum of understanding so applied behavior analysis (ABA) providers can provide 1‑on‑1 services in classrooms. Kristen Harden identified herself as a behavior analyst and provided three documents to the board: an informational sheet on ABA, a public flyer, and a mockup of a memorandum of understanding used by neighboring districts. She said surrounding counties accept similar agreements and emphasized providers complete background checks and training.
Kristen told the board, "We're not asking you to change any policies. ABA is just like any other health care provider. We're allowed to come into most schools." Staff responded that sample forms exist and that Wake and Chatham counties use differing approaches; staff indicated the district can consider limiting providers if desired and that the submitted mockup is similar to forms used elsewhere.
Later in public comment, Tracy Smith presented photographs and described a nearby residence she said functioned as a drug house directly across from an elementary school. Smith said the property has had multiple occupants and behaviors she considered unsafe during school drop‑off and pick‑up times, and she urged the district to consult principals and staff. Board and staff acknowledged the concern and suggested following up with principals; no formal board action was taken during public comment.
Speakers made several factual claims during comment: the Hardens estimated prevalence of autism and extrapolated district counts (they said "about 1 in 3 children" and, given 15,000 students, suggested roughly 375 students with autism); the transcript records these as speaker estimates and they were not verified during the meeting.
No motion or vote followed public comment items at the meeting; staff invited follow‑up and said the district will review the submitted documents and procedures.
