Parents and advocates press Riverside Unified over special‑education services and a student release incident

At the Riverside Unified School District board meeting on Jan. 15, parents and advocates filed multiple public comments alleging problems in special‑education services and reporting a student‑release safety failure.

Education advocate Steve Figueroa accused district special‑education staff of denying assessments in students’ primary languages, failing to respond to prior written notices and retaliating against families who raise concerns. "Are you racist?" Figueroa asked the board during public comment; he said he and families were preparing state and federal compliance complaints.

A parent who spoke through a Japanese interpreter, Sena Kamitsuki, described a son with ADHD and autism who arrived in the United States four months ago and, she said, has not received the accommodations she expects. Through an interpreter she said school staff stopped providing an aide and did not communicate daily activities; she urged the district to provide required supports "as soon as possible."

Prischetta Slack Davis said her 6‑year‑old daughter left Harada Elementary without parental authorization on Dec. 18 and that the district later told the family there was no incident report, no investigative findings and no written account of the event. "This was an actual release failure involving a young child," Slack Davis said, and she urged the board to ensure incidents affecting child safety are documented and reviewed.

Superintendent Yamas acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and asked staff members to meet with families. Board president and staff noted that public comment time is not for immediate response but that district officials (including Mr. Tim Walker and Ms. Hartshorn) were available to meet with parents after the meeting to review procedures and safeguards.

The board did not take formal action during the meeting on the complaints. Trustees and district staff said follow up would occur through staff contacts and, where appropriate, through formal complaint channels.