Parent tells board CPS was called instead of referencing her son’s IEP; asks for review of special-education processes

Cynthia Lang, a Union County parent of a non-verbal, medically complex student, told the board on June 2 that school staff involved Child Protective Services instead of consulting her child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and contacting the family.

"Rather than referring to his IEP... the school decided to contact CPS rather than look at his IEP or contact us," Lang said, describing the episode as causing "indescribable trauma" to her family. She said the student’s IEP noted he was on a new medication that can cause bruising and that staff did not follow that documentation.

Lang said her son, Sebastian, is functionally dependent, non-verbal and medically complex; she said the family invested in medical research and that his treatment had been shared with the school and listed on the IEP. She asked the board to examine systemic issues that, she said, are preventing medically complex students from accessing appropriate placements and supports.

The transcript records no immediate district rebuttal during the public comment period. Lang asked the board to review IEP processes, placement referral paths and communication protocols so families of medically complex students can obtain services in least-restrictive settings and be heard.

Next steps: Cynthia Lang requested board attention to IEP and referral processes. There was no formal action recorded in the transcript; families should expect staff follow-up or an option to contact cabinet staff seated at the meeting.