Parent urges clearer policies and cameras for special‑education spaces; board tables autism‑training approval

During the public‑comment period, a parent (Courtney) and a friend, Nikki Peyton, urged the board to ensure consistent, disability‑informed supports, clearer documentation of behavioral incidents and better communication with families.

Nikki Peyton, speaking for Courtney and her son Aiden, described an April 24 incident that prompted the family’s concern and asked the district to consider proactive supports in classrooms and to explore cameras in calming or regulation rooms to increase transparency and safety.

“I'd love to review some of the records … to try to help her understand things, with the timelines, communication,” Peyton said, and asked the board to evaluate whether current approaches “truly prioritize regulation, communication, dignity, and proactive support for student disabilities.”

Later in the meeting the board considered an agreement to bring the Indiana Institute on Disability’s Hands and Autism training on‑site for preschool staff. A parent speaker said she had reviewed materials and raised concerns about the training’s foundational use of behavioral analysis (ABA) and asked the board to explore alternative, non‑ABA approaches and resources such as Indiana InSource.

“I would like to see this not approved today … maybe we could explore other alternative options,” the parent said, asking the board to delay formal approval until parents and staff could review additional research.

The board’s superintendent‑level staff said the agreement could be tabled to gather more information. The board voted to table the approval until the June meeting and requested additional information and research into the training’s approach before any final action.