Parent alleges possible mistreatment of nonverbal special-needs child; board directs private follow-up

A parent who identified herself as Nish used public comment time to tell the Fort Lee Board of Education she believes her nonverbal four-year-old with special needs was abused by a teacher and that the school failed to notify or support the family during the last year.

"I'm really worried because he's still attending that same school," the parent said, describing a sense of helplessness and saying she had not received phone calls or emails about the incident.

Board members and legal counsel told the parent that the board cannot address confidential student matters or pending investigations in public. The superintendent outlined the recommended escalation path for parental concerns: first address the classroom teacher, then the assistant principal or principal, then a curriculum supervisor or assistant superintendent, and finally the superintendent's office if unresolved.

The board did not take formal action on the allegation during the public meeting. Board representatives emphasized privacy limits on what can be discussed publicly about ongoing student matters and encouraged the parent to contact the superintendent for a private response and any information that can be shared in confidence.

No details were discussed publicly about the underlying investigation, and presenters said the board would not provide public comment on pending legal or personnel matters.