Parents press board on student-safety and special-education issues; board tables family-engagement consultant vote

Parents and district employees used the May 20 Rialto Unified board meeting to press for clearer communication on student-safety incidents, improvements in special-education services, and equitable access to professional development.

A parent who identified herself as Alexis Davis said she was not notified promptly after an incident at Myers Elementary in which students exposed themselves. "I was never notified," Davis said, asking the board what steps would be taken to improve parent notification and accountability. Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Alvarez responded that staff would follow up and that the matter would be included in regular updates.

District staff and community members also pressed for action on other issues: Emanuel Fabella, a warehouse delivery driver, described concern about the weight of food carts pushed by nutrition-services staff and said subsequent tests and follow-up communication had not resolved the safety questions. "We feel that our safety is not a real priority," Fabella said.

Several speakers also questioned agenda item E3.10, a proposed agreement with an outside consultant (High Expectations) to develop a family-engagement curriculum and training modules. Board members and public commenters asked why the district would hire an outside firm rather than build curriculum using existing district staff and community-school specialists. Dr. Alvarez and other staff said grant funds earmarked for family- and community-engagement work could be used for the contract and that some funds must be spent by the end of June. That timing prompted additional questions from multiple board members.

After extended discussion, the board voted unanimously to table the consultant item and directed staff to return with clearer cost and scope details and with a presentation prior to any approval.

Why it matters: Parents’ requests for clearer notification protocols, stronger special-education follow-up and better staff communication are tied to safety and equity concerns. The board’s decision to table the consultant contract reflects both community skepticism and board members’ desire for more data and a transparent procurement rationale before spending restricted grant funds.

What comes next: District staff were asked to provide a detailed briefing for the board at the next meeting (the board scheduled its next regular meeting for June 10), including the contract scope, proposed use of restricted grant funds and a plan for enabling parents to participate in classrooms and programs.

Quotes: "We feel that our safety is not a real priority," said Emanuel Fabella. Superintendent Alvarez told speakers, "Yes, we'll do," when asked to follow up on an employee safety concern.