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Parent urges board to restore 18–21 transition program for students with disabilities
Summary
A parent told the board that Liberty High and Liberty North no longer offer 18–21 transition services for students with disabilities and urged the district to revive the program to meet IDEA transition planning requirements; the superintendent's office agreed to follow up.
A Liberty parent urged the school board on Monday to reinstate or clarify transition services for students with disabilities aged 18–21, saying the district's program for students who have not earned a standard diploma appears to be unavailable at Liberty High and Liberty North.
"My child, he's 19 years old, SPED program," said Doug Cluck, who identified himself from the public comment podium. Cluck asked when Liberty Public Schools decided to limit transition services for students beyond the normal senior year and said parents want the opportunity for their young adults to engage in functional academics, life skills and community‑based instruction.
Cluck cited the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a recent decision referenced as Andrew v. Douglas County School District (2017), saying those legal standards require Individualized Education Programs that are appropriately ambitious and include transition planning. "To our knowledge, it doesn't exist," Cluck said of the district's post‑graduation transition program.
Board members thanked Cluck for bringing the concern forward and noted the superintendent's office would contact him. "I see that you've indicated you wish to be contacted by superintendent or so," the board chair said; staff confirmed a follow‑up would be arranged.
What happens next: Cluck told the board he would provide additional detail and requested administration follow up. The transcript records the board directing or inviting the superintendent or appropriate staff to respond to the commenter within the typical follow‑up timeframe described at the start of the public comment segment.
