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Special-education and equity concerns surface as Monterey County districts question Navigator's "full inclusion" claims
Summary
District leaders and special-education teachers pressed the petitioners on how Navigator would serve English learners and students with disabilities, saying the petition lacks data on high-need student performance and raising concerns about parity in services and staffing.
Several district superintendents and special-education teachers questioned whether Navigator's "full inclusion" approach would deliver comparable services for students with disabilities and English learners. Laura Dean, a 24-year educator, said Navigator "provides no meaningful plan to serve the students who need the most support" and cautioned that claiming to admit any child can privilege families with transportation and resources.
PK Diffenbaugh, a district superintendent, said his review found only five signatures from parents within his district and said the petition has not demonstrated demand or a countywide need. Speakers urged the board to examine special-education data and performance for high-need students and to ensure any authorization preserves existing wraparound services that districts provide.
