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Fairview Clifton parents ask Cincinnati board for district investigation into discipline and special‑education concerns
Summary
Parents and LSDMC representatives from Fairview Clifton German Language School presented PBIS and staffing data alleging discipline disparities and special‑education delays, and formally requested a district review and greater transparency.
A coalition of parents and school‑level representatives from Fairview Clifton German Language School asked the Cincinnati Board of Education on June 8 for a formal district investigation into school discipline, staff representation and special‑education processes.
Speakers from the Fairview community — including LSDMC parent representatives and PTO leaders — told the board that school‑provided PBIS data showed disproportionate discipline outcomes for students of color. Sonia Swift said the school’s data indicated that Black students made up about 53% of enrollment but accounted for roughly 88% of discipline referrals. Parents also raised concerns about the removal of a mandated alternative learning classroom (ALC) and reported delays and resistance in securing dyslexia screening and special‑education evaluations for some students.
Julieta Ladipo, a parent representative, and Lauren Campbell Kong, a PBIS parent rep, said families had repeatedly documented issues via surveys, emails and meetings with school leaders without seeing sufficient corrective action. Parent and community leaders asked the board to exercise oversight and order a thorough, objective review of discipline practices, special‑education processes, staffing diversity and stakeholder engagement at Fairview Clifton.
Speakers said they had already met with district leaders, including the superintendent and an assistant superintendent, but left feeling that their concerns were not meaningfully addressed. Parents announced they were submitting a folder of documentation into the public record, including PBIS data, emails and meeting notes.
Board members asked clarifying questions and administrators acknowledged the request. The administration did not announce an immediate investigative timeline at the meeting; the board directed staff to review the submitted materials and indicated the matter would be taken up in follow‑up discussions.
Parents said they sought measurable action — clearer communication, an objective review, and measurable remedies — rather than symbolic promises. They emphasized that the requested review aims to ensure equitable supports and transparent decision‑making at Fairview Clifton.
