BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (SBG) — Upset parents confronted leaders of Baldwin County Public Schools at Thursday night’s public school board meeting. They accused them of not doing enough to protect their first graders from a disruptive and violent peer. The parents claim it’s impacting their children’s ability to learn and enjoy Elberta Elementary School.
“Our daughter cries every morning to not go to school and begs to be home-schooled,” said parent Brett Cardwell.
Due to federal privacy protections, school officials say student actions and how they are addressed are confidential.
Full statement from Superintendent Eddie Tyler:
Thank you for reaching out on this. It’s important we realize there are numerous children involved in this discussion, even if on both sides of the argument.
I cannot confirm the facts stated in your email are the facts. Because of FERPA, which protects student confidentiality, I can’t share the specific facts either. Let me share this though, public schools must take a variety of children including those with special needs. A child identified as special needs with an IEP has certain protections under federal law including IDEA. Hearing officers and case law have tied the hands of public schools on the timely classroom removal, suspension or expulsion of an IDEA-protected child. All that having been said, we have been and will continue to seek a result that serves all these students and parents in accordance with all laws.
As I stated above, please remember there is more than one group of parents here. The ones who feel their child has been offended and the parents of special needs children. Calling out, shaming and offending a student even in the advocacy of another student can create more problems which is why student actions and information are confidential.
As a school system, we respect these can be very emotional, and trying times for parents advocating for their children. We also recognize it can be emotional and trying for the school officials who are often placed between the children, the parents and the employees who may all feel they are trying to do the right thing.
I wish I could share more but confidentiality has me limited beyond what I’ve shared here. I hope you will consider the impact of further publicity of this matter upon all the children at the school including the special needs student and their family.
Eddie Tyler,
Superintendent
#BaldwinProud #CommunityStrong
