Parents and union representative press South Whittier board over teachers' contract, IEP access

Several parents and a union representative used public comment at the May 20 South Whittier School District board meeting to press the district over staffing, substitute coverage and access to Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents.

James Galeana, a district parent, told the board he came "to speak on the district breaking the teachers contract and the district lack of acknowledgement of state labor laws," and said his child's goals were affected after a long-term substitute replaced a longtime teacher. Another parent, Michael Copeland, said his son had regressed after a long-term substitute took over an SDC class and said IEPs were not provided in signed form as required, arguing that "Having a long-term substitute in an SDC class should have never been a long-term solution." CTA Board Member Margie Granado also urged the board to follow protocols and noted an accessibility issue with audibility at the meeting, saying "the Superintendent is not their friend but their employee."

Board minutes show no board response or policy change recorded during public comment. The speakers asked the board to clarify substitute staffing decisions, confirm access procedures for IEP documents, and ensure district compliance with labor law and evaluation protocols; the record notes that parents and the CTA representative sought clearer communication and adherence to formal observation requirements to avoid possible litigation.

The public remarks were made during the formal public comment period and were not followed by immediate action. The board approved other agenda items later in the meeting, and no formal reply to these speakers is recorded in the minutes.