Public commenters praise departing board members and raise concerns about IEP implementation; closing remarks turn heated before adjournment

Public comments at the Dec. 15 Kenston Local Schools board meeting included praise for two departing board members and a parent’s appeal about special‑education supports.

Naysa Gaskins, introduced at the start of public comment, praised Jennifer Trotman and Dennis Berganski for four years of service and detailed examples of committee work and outreach. Gaskins said board members contributed to policy clarity and fiscal oversight and noted the personal time some members invested in student activities such as coaching mock trial.

Parent Sanchez Starks spoke about his son’s IEP experience at Timmons Elementary. Starks said he learned through a parent‑teacher conference that his son displays anxiety and that the district’s use of screening tools (i‑Ready and DIBELS) appears to function primarily for reporting rather than prompting deliberate instructional changes. He asked how the district ensures that assessment results lead to measurable instructional adjustments and stronger interventions for students with IEPs.

During closing comments, outgoing and current board members traded strong criticisms about conduct and meeting scope. The chair redirected members to board business and decorum, noting some matters were more appropriate for a work session or future meeting. After a final motion and second, the board approved adjournment and closed the meeting at 8:28 p.m.