Reverend urges Clover board to review band placement for student with 504, says separation 'violates federal and state law'

Reverend Dr. Chuck Bayard, a retired Presbyterian minister, told the Clover School District Board of Trustees that his grandson Trevor — who has autism and a Section 504 accommodation plan — had been assigned to a separate "JV block" at band practice that he said isolates Trevor from the rest of the marching band and prevents him from full participation. "This is immoral, this is ungodly, but most of all ladies and gentlemen this is illegal — it violates federal and state law," Bayard said, urging the district to "do something about this JV block."

Bayard described the JV placement as physically separated by about 20 yards from the rest of the band and said school staff told the family Trevor must demonstrate emotional control before being allowed on the field. He said the placement has taken an emotional toll on the student and framed his appeal during National Teen Suicide Prevention Month, noting community concerns about vulnerable students.

Board protocol during public forum was explained before comments: Mr. Dylan reminded speakers that board members "will receive public forum presentations as items of interest and will take no formal action on these matters" and that members may ask clarifying questions only. The public forum transcript records Bayard's request for the district to review programs and accommodations but does not record an immediate staff or board response that changed Trevor's placement.

The district's public records in the meeting packet did not show any formal motion or vote tied to Bayard's comments; under the board's public-forum rules, the board may refer concerns for staff review after the meeting. The board proceeded with the agenda after public comments.