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Public commenter urges Duplin County Schools to fix accessibility barriers, cites ADA and risk to federal funds
Summary
During public comment at the June 2 Duplin County Board of Education meeting, Jane Ziziger said longstanding accessibility barriers and dismissive responses from administration are denying equal access to school events and could jeopardize federal funding under Section 504. She asked the board to adopt a clear complaint process.
Jane Ziziger told the Duplin County Board of Education on June 2 that families and visitors face ongoing accessibility barriers at school facilities and in district communications and asked the board to adopt clear, consistent procedures for reporting and resolving complaints.
"Accessibility is not optional," Ziziger said, citing the Americans with Disabilities Act and "ADA section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act" and warning that "failing to comply can place federal funds at risk." She told the board she had followed the district's handbook procedures and contacted administration but received little or no response and, at times, what she described as dismissive and condescending treatment.
Ziziger described examples she said include inaccessible entrances, seating, restrooms and parking; limited accommodations for people with mobility or medical needs; and a lack of clear communication about available accommodations. She said she had requested access to video footage used in a district decision and was told she could not view it.
The comment placed the board on notice that a constituent sees the issue as both a legal and ethical obligation. Ziziger asked the board to establish and consistently follow a transparent complaints process, to train staff on accommodations, and to investigate why some central-office interactions she described were dismissive and why employees are leaving certain schools and departments.
Board members did not engage in a public exchange with Ziziger during her three-minute comment. The board chair thanked the commenter, noted the public-comment time limit and then moved on with the agenda, proceeding to approval of the agenda and scheduled recognitions.
