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Parent tells board his special‑needs daughter was sent home after losing teeth; board vows to investigate
Summary
A San Bernardino parent said his special‑needs daughter lost two front teeth on campus and was put on a bus home without being given medical care; the parent said district investigation so far has not resolved his concerns and the board indicated it will follow up.
Julio Armenta told the San Bernardino City Unified School District board on May 19 that he is still seeking answers after two incidents involving his children that he said put their safety at risk.
"No child should ever lose their teeth physically, bleed and crying, and not get medical treatment," Armenta said, describing an incident he says occurred May 12 where his daughter arrived home with two knocked‑out front teeth and no ambulance had been called. Armenta told the board he has filed a formal complaint with the district’s special education director, submitted concerns to Superintendent Arellano and has reported the matter to district police; he said he has a case number but described receiving no satisfactory resolution to date.
Armenta said both of his children have required medical attention this year and that he is worried about supervision levels in special‑education classrooms after two credentialed special‑education teachers went on leave and substitutes have been assigned. "Kids are eloping out of the school premises," he said, adding that documentation in ParentSquare shows incidents of children leaving campus unnoticed.
Board response: Board members expressed appreciation for his advocacy; Mr. Tillman told Armenta, "We'll look into it and try to solve the problem," and President Ceballos said the district will follow up and be in touch. No formal board action or remedy was announced during the meeting; administrators said staff would reach out to the family if follow-up was required.
Why it matters: The complaint raises questions about supervision and special‑education staffing at Highland Pacific (site named in the comment), the district’s incident reporting and parental communications and whether district response timelines were adequate. Armenta asked for the board's help in getting timely answers and records he said he requested.
What remains unresolved: Armenta said he has met with the school principal and filed complaints with special education and the superintendent; he told the board he remains unsatisfied with the response and requested further assistance. The board said staff will follow up with him; no timeline was given during the public comment period.
Ending: The board thanked Armenta for bringing the concern to the public meeting and indicated it would investigate and follow up.
