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Parent urges certified special‑education staffing; superintendent says certified teacher will serve next year
Summary
A Smithville parent told the board her nonverbal son has had 13 IEPs and urged hiring certified special‑education teachers. District leaders clarified the personnel report includes a fully certified special‑education teacher for the role next year and described mentorship options for staff on certification pathways.
At the Smithville R‑II Board of Education meeting a parent, who identified herself as Sharmila, used the public‑comment period to press the district to ensure special‑education classrooms are staffed by certified teachers.
"Special education is not simply another teaching assignment. It requires specialized training, knowledge and legally binding IEPs," Sharmila said, describing her 16‑year‑old son’s 13 years in public education and 13 IEPs. She told the board that parents often act as their nonverbal children’s voice and urged the district not to lower standards by placing unqualified staff in roles that require specialized expertise.
Sharmila said hiring uncertified or less‑qualified people into critical special‑education roles is not a solution to teacher shortages and recommended better pay and professional respect to retain qualified teachers.
In response, Dr. Moss (the superintendent introduced by the agenda) clarified that, with approval of the personnel report, "there's a fully certified special education teacher that will be serving in that role next year," apologized for any miscommunication and said the district would be happy to meet with commenters to walk through specifics. Administration also described certification pathways and mentorship and emphasized the district’s obligation to follow IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).
Board members thanked the commenter for raising concerns and invited follow‑up meetings with central office staff to clarify postings and certification expectations. The superintendent said the district would provide support and mentorship to staff pursuing certification and could use paraprofessional coverage where needed to support classrooms while certification pathways are completed.
The public comment closed with the board thanking the speaker for her time; the record shows the district committed to clarifying hiring language and ensuring certification oversight for special‑education positions.
