Dozens show up to protest relocation of special ed program
December 12, 2016
Dozens of students and parents packed the school board meeting Monday to protest the proposed move of a special education program to Maize South.
Some people had to stand in the hallway to listen as 11 people addressed the board to express dismay over the planned relocation of the Functional Applied Academics program.
“You would never consider putting this race in this school and that race in that school because it would be an enormous lawsuit,” parent Laura Matthews said. “Yet, tell me how this is not the same thing with a different group of people?”
The school board did not come to a conclusion about transferring the FAA students from Maize to Maize South. The issue wasn’t on the agenda and was brought up during visitor comments.
“I’m vaguely aware of the situation but not to the depth we learned tonight,” board member Scott Crawford said.
Board president Matt Jensby said the issue will be put on the agenda to be talked about at the next board meeting, at 7 p.m. on Jan. 10.
Parents of students in the FAA program learned of the proposed move when they received a letter from the district around Thanksgiving.
“Me and my wife were shocked by the news of the relocation of this program, which came in a letter that was weakly worded like a memo,” parent Mike Miller said. “After reading that letter we did not understand the unilateral decision, which could have such a negative impact on the children and the others at Maize High.”
Maize South is being expanded to accommodate some special education programs. The expansion is part of the bond project.
“We are all about inclusion and the least restrictive environment for these kids, but a wing is being built,” parent Cassandra Sines said. “Why are we not looking at including these kids? Why are we putting them in a wing? That is my fear.”
Students in the FAA program have been diagnosed with a cognitive disability, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment or some combination of disabilities that limit their ability in general education classrooms without significant modifications.
Dennis Sanders, an FAA student, told the board he wants to stay at Maize.
“I’d like to say this is not fair,” he said. “This is like segregation.”
Juniors Garrison Norris, Jadyn Landreth and Matthew Melchor pleaded with the board to rethink the plan. They are members of Friendship Club, a group of students who support and mentor the FAA students.
“To see them get turned away from what they know and what they have gotten used to over these years, I think it’s just an injustice to them.” — Garrison Norris
“To see them get turned away from what they know and what they have gotten used to over these years, I think it’s just an injustice to them.”,” Norris said.
Melchor, the club president, said Friendship Club started a decade ago with five members. This year, 130 students belong. More than 30 students attended the meeting.
“This is not something that can be built overnight or over a year or two,” Melchor said. “It took us 10 years to do that.”
Pat Leon was the first person to address the board. Her son, Chris, is Maize graduate and was part of the FAA program.
“The only good to come out of this proposal is seeing that tradition never graduates,” she said. “These current Maize High School Eagles are still looking out for their special needs friends, and they are even standing up tall for them. In light of all the bullying going on today, you should be proud of their response, because I know I am. And you should be proud to keep that program in the building.”
Heather • Dec 13, 2016 at 9:04 am
As a fellow FAA parent of a younger than High School age son, I stand with these parents, students and friends!
To know these beloved students IS TO KNOW that change hinders the progress they have made. It is not to say they will not adjust, but to say it will take even more effort than anyone not working with them daily would understand.
Such change for any teen is traumatic and to disorient those that thrive with familiarity and structure is to do them the greatest disservice out of a lack of respect for their efforts and hard work!
These students and MY son lift me up in courage, endurance, perseverance and love each and everyday because frankly, they have something I believe most of us could use improvement on. Hard work and the ability to love unconditionally and smile through it all!
Let’s not make it even more difficult when it is our duty and should be our priority and honor to assist these students with every bit of love and integrity WE have. Let’s do as they do. Look past differences and support one another!
Parents, teachers, families and friends of FAA students are to be listened to. Listen to understand not to just skip over, but to truly listen and learn. Learn the harm they will cause.
After all, had women and people of color had not done the same for those coming before me I would not have the rights I have now. It’s unfortunate the same ugly battle is rearing its head again. That of equality and inclusion. Yet this time we speak for those that may literally not have the ability to voice this themselves.
With love and support,
A friend of FAA