During a recent Marion County School Board meeting, several community members voiced significant concerns regarding student access and employee treatment within the school district.

Tamara Vanderpool, a grandmother raising her grandson Chad, expressed frustration over being denied access to the school’s family access website, Skyward. Vanderpool, who holds power of attorney for Chad, argued that the school’s refusal to recognize her as a guardian is detrimental to her grandson’s educational and medical well-being. She recounted an incident where she was not notified of a bus delay, resulting in Chad missing breakfast on his first day at a new school. Vanderpool cited various policies and state statutes that support her claim for access, emphasizing the growing number of grandparents in similar caregiving roles. The school board acknowledged her concerns and indicated that legal counsel is reviewing the situation to ensure that Vanderpool receives the necessary access.

Another speaker, Jamie Clemens Hall, a teacher, raised alarms about the unmet needs of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the disproportionate student-to-teacher ratios in classrooms. Hall criticized the district for not adequately staffing classrooms, which she believes sets both students and teachers up for failure. She urged the board to focus on improving support for educators and hiring more staff to enhance student learning outcomes.

Jamie Nyswanger, an employee in the food service department, highlighted issues with payroll practices, specifically regarding unpaid work time. Nyswanger detailed discrepancies in pay stubs, claiming that employees are not compensated for time spent preparing for work, which she argued violates labor laws. She called for a review of the district's rounding policies and better communication regarding employee compensation.

The school board members listened attentively to the speakers, assuring them that their concerns would be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. The discussions underscored ongoing challenges within the district related to student support and employee treatment, prompting calls for systemic changes to improve the educational environment for both students and staff.