Commenter alleges 2023 mistreatment of autistic student at McFarland Middle School and urges opposition to levy
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Summary
At public comment, Jake Mendez Jr. alleged that a McFarland Middle School student with autism was mistreated in 2023 — including being underfed and encouraged to be coughed on by a teacher — and called for the superintendent to resign and for voters to oppose the district levy.
During the board’s public-comment period, Jake Mendez Jr., who identified himself as a civil-rights activist and a member of ACLU Washington and the NAACP, accused McFarland Middle School staff of mistreating an autistic child in 2023. "There was a child who was autistic at the McFarland Middle School back in 2023, who was mistreated, who was underfed, and had one of the teachers encourage other students to cough around this student," Mendez said. He told the board he knows the family and that the family said there had been no public apology.
Mendez explicitly linked the allegation to the board’s upcoming levy request and urged voters to oppose it: "That's why I'm going to vote no on this levy," he said, adding he plans protests and that the superintendent should resign or step down. He referenced a Source 1 News story and said he included video material for transparency; the transcript does not record any immediate response from the board on the specific allegations.
What the board recorded: The meeting moved on after public comment to list upcoming events. Later the board recessed into a 30-minute executive session to discuss "the performance of a public employee and the sale or lease of real estate," and the public meeting was adjourned. The transcript does not record a formal board response, an investigation outcome or any disciplinary action during the public portion of this meeting.
Why it matters: Allegations of mistreatment of a student with a disability are serious and, if accurate, could prompt personnel or policy actions, formal investigations and community concern. The commenter tied the charge to the levy campaign, suggesting community trust in leadership could affect an imminent vote.
Next steps and limits: The transcript records the allegation and the commenter’s intent to protest but does not show board findings or a response. The board announced a 30-minute executive session after public comment; the public record here does not indicate whether the executive session related to these allegations. The allegation, referenced news reports and any video materials should be independently verified through district records, investigators or the family before drawing conclusions.