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Public commenter raises concerns about inconsistent mental-health accommodations and urges restorative practices
Summary
A public commenter described differences in how students with autism/ADHD are supported across district schools, cited a specific incident where noise‑cancelling headphones were denied, and asked the board to consider restorative justice circles; the board requested a written follow-up to assess next steps.
At the Waterloo Community School District board meeting, Katia Alford, an MSW student and intern at Bakari Behavioral Health, urged clearer and more consistent mental‑health supports and accommodations for students with disabilities. Alford described two examples: differences in how her own twins (autism, ADHD) were handled at different elementary schools, and a separate case where a student who asked for noise‑cancelling headphones did not receive them and later struck another student.
Alford asked what steps the district will take to ensure equitable accommodations, whether parents are informed, and whether the board will consider restorative justice circles as a formal option. The chair advised Alford to email her questions to Mrs. Lee so staff can follow up and provide a more complete response.
Board members acknowledged the concern and requested the administration investigate and respond in writing. No formal action was taken during the meeting; the board instructed staff to accept Alford’s questions by email and follow up.
Alford also recommended restorative justice circles as a policy idea; the board asked that she include that proposal in her follow-up email so it can be evaluated and placed on the appropriate agenda if warranted.
