Parent says classroom disruptions left students unable to finish testing; board pledges follow-up

A Winslow Township parent urged the board to investigate repeated disruptions in an inclusion classroom that she said prevented students — including her daughter — from finishing statewide testing.

Sharifa Lawson, who identified herself as a Winslow Township resident and parent, told the board she had raised concerns beginning April 15 about a disruptive student and inconsistent special-education support at School 3. “Throughout the school year, there have been disruptions in the classroom, and they have not been addressed,” Lawson said. She described missed communications, multiple one-on-one staff assignments and an incident in which her son was struck by another student; she said she received little or delayed follow-up from school administrators.

The chair responded that the superintendent would look into the matter and promised the parent would receive information soon. Superintendent (identified in the transcript) and other administrators offered to have staff contact Lawson to schedule a meeting and gather further details. “I’ll reach out to you. I’ll have my secretary reach out to you, and we’ll schedule some time to talk to get some more details on your situation,” the superintendent said.

Lawson asked the board to review classroom management and compliance with the New Jersey code of conduct; board members said they would follow up and staff would contact the family. No formal personnel action or investigation outcome was announced during the meeting; administration committed to follow-up.