Parents say special‑education student was assaulted repeatedly; the district pledges procedural fixes

Two parents told the board that their son, a first‑grade student in a special‑day class at Palm Elementary, has been physically assaulted multiple times and that the district’s reporting and follow-up procedures failed the family.

Brianna McDowell said documented incidents since January include at least seven assaults; she described a pattern of delayed documentation and inconsistent communication with parents. "When our son is hit in the face, he deserves the proper assessment by a professional," McDowell said, adding that the family first learned of some incidents from their son rather than school staff. Alicia Campbell said the district lacks a consistent protocol for behavioral incidents and that staff did not file reports or provide timely notice until families insisted.

Superintendent Roach acknowledged the parents' accounts and said the district has identified gaps in standardized procedures for handling student behavioral incidents and communication. Roach told the board staff discussed changes in a meeting with the parents and that the district is working on clearer processes for documenting incidents and notifying families.

Trustees and union representatives urged that the board and administration treat the matter as a systemic concern and recommended follow-up via the special-education community advisory process. Parents asked the board to ensure compliance with federal special education obligations and stronger safeguards for vulnerable students.

Next steps: The district committed to follow up with the parents and to provide details about proposed procedural changes and timelines. The board requested updates through the superintendent’s office and via the special-education advisory committee.