Parents urge clearer communication after special‑education teacher's resignation

Multiple parents used the May 11 public‑comment period to urge the Sylvania Schools Board of Education to improve communication around the resignation of a special‑education teacher and to consider the teacher’s impact on students.

Lindsay Bender, who gave her address for the record, said her son’s teacher had been telling students she was “sick” after she left; when Lindsay asked school staff she was told the teacher had resigned for personal reasons. "My son has just been told that my teacher's sick...and that's not necessarily my understanding," Lindsay said, adding that seven students in the classroom rely on visual aids and social stories the teacher created.

Crystal Burke also spoke in support of the teacher, saying her daughter regressed in routine and relies on classroom accommodations and that the teacher had made and provided devices and supports out of pocket.

Tony Bender read a short story the teacher left for one student and said the family's understanding of the departure was incomplete; he said the explanation that the teacher had left for "personal reasons" raised questions and urged clearer communication.

The Chair asked Dr. Miles to have staff follow up with school administration and to work on improving communication; a district staff member acknowledged they would follow up.

Why it matters: parents said the teacher provided continuity and specialized supports for students with communication differences, and they described notable emotional distress when students were told the teacher was simply 'sick' rather than given fuller information.

What the board will do: the Chair asked that staff follow up with school administration and work on communication with families. The board did not announce any personnel decisions at the public meeting; the session later moved into executive session to discuss public‑employee employment.