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State board censures educator after parents and students describe mistreatment of deaf students
Summary
After repeated public testimony alleging unprofessional conduct toward deaf students, the board rejected the PAC recommendation of no disciplinary action, issued a letter of censure and required coursework; certificates will be suspended if the coursework is not completed within 90 days.
The State Board of Education voted unanimously to reject a prior recommendation of no disciplinary action and to issue a letter of censure to an educator after parents, students and former colleagues described a pattern of unprofessional behavior toward deaf students.
Multiple public commenters recounted incidents they said involved educator Carrie Gamar (referenced in public testimony). Parents and a student told the board the conduct included mocking vocalizations and other conduct the families said created a hostile environment; at least three judges reportedly issued protection orders the families mentioned during testimony. "Deaf people shouldn't be compared to animals when we use our voices," student Eric Cardis said during public comment.
Vice President Haley moved to overturn the PAC recommendation and to issue a censure. The board added a training requirement: the respondent must complete the department‑specified prevention and correction coursework (transcript reference: "nas deck prevention and correction course") and submit proof of completion within 90 days. The motion specified that if the coursework is not completed within the required timeframe, any and all certificates held by the respondent will be summarily suspended until proof of successful completion is provided. The board approved the motion unanimously.
Board members noted the difficulty for parents to pursue complaints and thanked families for persistent engagement. Several board members said censure plus mandated coursework was intended both to hold the educator accountable and to reduce risk to vulnerable students.
What happens next: The enforcement action unit of the board will receive proof of completion and is charged with monitoring compliance with the coursework condition; the board did not discuss further sanctions beyond the suspension contingency if the training is not completed.
