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Parents urge clearer behavioral supports after Southwest preschool teacher resignation
Summary
A group of Southwest Preschool parents told the board they’ve seen recurring classroom disruptions that prompted at least one family to withdraw a child and led a valued teacher to resign; they asked the board for daily behavioral supports, clearer communication, and an evaluation of what led to the teacher’s departure.
Grace Marquardt, speaking for a group of parents of children in the Southwest Preschool Program, told the board that while some corrective actions have been taken, the problems that prompted parents to speak up were real and persistent. "There have been repeated disruptions that have created fear, anxiety, and uncertainty for young children," she said, and she said the resignation of a well‑regarded teacher, Deb Scott, "cannot be overlooked."
Marquardt said those changes and supports must be consistent and proactive, not reactive, and listed four specific requests for the district: a clear and consistent plan to ensure classroom safety, reliable daily behavioral supports, transparent and timely communication with families, and an honest evaluation of the circumstances that led a teacher to leave. She added that some families have already withdrawn children because the classroom felt unpredictable and unsafe.
The chair responded that district staff would follow up after the meeting and that the board has been made aware of the concerns. No formal board action was taken during the meeting; parents asked for specific, sustained steps and clearer communications so families understand how children will be kept safe and supported.
