Parent alleges bullying and punitive chores for autistic student at Marshall School; board pledges investigation

A parent told the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education at its Jan. 20 meeting that her autistic son at Marshall School has been subjected to ongoing bullying, verbal abuse and what she described as punitive work assignments during lunch.

The commenter, who did not state her name on the record, described repeated reports to school administrators and to district staff with no remedy. She said the child was required to wash cafeteria trays for multiple hours and perform heavy tasks as punishment, and that a staff member used profanity toward the child. "My son doesn't wanna go to school," the parent said, adding that she had taken the child to emergency care after the incidents.

Board member Mr. Tillman thanked the parent for coming forward and said the superintendent would meet with her. "We don't force students to work in the cafeteria, do we?" Tillman asked during the meeting; district staff responded that cafeteria work is voluntary and that they would investigate. Superintendent Arellano told the parent and the board that Dr. Doizan had met with the parent earlier that day and that the district would look into the reported incidents and remedy the situation as appropriate.

President Myra Ceballos added that staff would follow up and ensure communication with the parent. No formal disciplinary action or outcome was announced at the meeting; the parent requested a follow-up meeting and a plan from the district to ensure student safety across sites.

Board members emphasized that public comment is the avenue for raising non-agendized concerns and said a staff member would contact the parent for follow-up if the comment form included contact information.