Chickasha board sets April 2 termination hearing after parent alleges harm to autistic student

April Sells told the Chickasha Public Schools board that her nonverbal, level-3 autistic son, Huntley, was harmed on Feb. 20 in a classroom, leaving him traumatized and requiring medical attention. "Huntley is level 3 autistic and nonverbal," Sells said, and described ongoing symptoms and family disruption after the incident.

The board responded that the superintendent had submitted a sealed recommendation for termination and that due-process rules require the board to limit prehearing knowledge. Superintendent Rick explained the procedure for sealed recommendations, saying the envelope contains his detailed recommendation and will remain sealed until the termination hearing so the board remains unbiased.

After discussion about scheduling and logistics, the board voted to set a termination hearing for Amber Johnson on April 2 at 3 p.m. in the boardroom and approved a motion directing the superintendent to mail Johnson a copy of the recommendation and notify her of her right to a hearing and the date, time and place. Board members emphasized confidentiality and due process during the prehearing steps.

The parent'supplied allegation and the board'set hearing are procedural steps; no determination of guilt or innocence was made in the meeting. The board did not take final employment action at the meeting; the hearing will be the forum for evidence and any formal decision.

What happens next: The district will mail the recommendation and hearing notice to Amber Johnson and hold the scheduled hearing, during which testimony, evidence and any legal arguments will be considered.