San Jose Unified School District's decision to close Special Day Class (SDC) programs at three elementary schools has alarmed families of special education students. Citing low enrollment, the district will only maintain SDC services at three out of 27 schools, forcing families to relocate. Parents like Jordan Wong expressed frustration over the abrupt notification and lack of input in the decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining familiar educational environments for special needs children. Trustee Nicole Gribstad criticized the exclusion of key stakeholders in the process, advocating for better dialogue and inclusion in future decisions.
"For a special needs child, to change an environment for that child they've been thriving in, and also affect staff that are being very effective, disheartens me," he told San José Spotlight. "To receive an email ... that just said Special Day Class will not be offered next year, and your child will be going to another school ... feels disempowering as a parent when ... you've been told by the district it's a partnership."
Trustee Nicole Gribstad expressed concern over the decision-making process, noting, "The decision-making process did not include all stakeholders - parents, teachers and key advocates who play a critical role in these students' educational journeys."
Gribstad further emphasized, "No major decision should be made without inclusive dialogue and careful consideration of those directly impacted. As trustees, we must uphold our responsibilities to include all voices in the conversation."
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