Parent tells board her senior needs 10 credits to graduate; administration pledges follow-up

At the board's public comment period on June 9, parent Aia Cruz described a time-sensitive situation involving her daughter, a senior at Central East High School, who needs roughly 10 credits to graduate. Cruz said her daughter missed school for two surgeries while on home study, was placed in AP classes while recovering, and when she returned no accommodations or supports were provided. According to Cruz, teachers delayed unlocking online credits and the student fell behind to the point of needing summer or other make-up work to recover.

"At this point she needs 10 credits to graduate. It's a life-or-death situation. My child is in crisis right now," Cruz told the board. The board president reminded Cruz that the board cannot take action on non-agendized items during public comment but administration said staff would follow up and acknowledged receipt of email correspondence.

During the meeting the board and staff referred the issue to administrators for follow-up; Dr. Marshall and other district staff present said administration would investigate and contact the family. Trustees noted the district must ensure supports and appropriate counseling for students returning from medical home study and asked staff to follow up with specifics when they return with the relevant information.

The board did not take action during the meeting because the item was not agendized; trustees and staff requested a prompt administrative response so the family could receive whatever supports may be available before graduation ceremonies.