In a recent Wiseburn Unified Board meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding student safety and the management of special needs programs within the district. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as grandparents shared personal stories, highlighting incidents that raised alarms about the safety of children on campus.

One grandmother, speaking on behalf of her sister, recounted a troubling incident where a young child was kicked in the abdomen by a student with special needs. This was not an isolated case; another grandmother echoed similar concerns about her grandchild being assaulted. The speakers emphasized the need for a more robust approach to managing behavioral challenges among special needs students, questioning whether current intervention plans were being effectively implemented.

The discussion turned to the adequacy of training for behavior interventionists and classroom teachers, with calls for better support and resources to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. Concerns were raised about the placement of special day classes, suggesting that the current arrangements might not prioritize the safety of all children, particularly with older students near younger ones.

Another speaker, a long-time volunteer, expressed frustration over the lack of administrative support at local schools, particularly at Del Aire, where a single principal was managing a wide range of responsibilities. She advocated for additional staffing to help alleviate the pressures on educators and improve the overall school environment.

Traffic safety was also a significant topic, with requests for more crossing guards to manage the chaotic drop-off and pick-up times at schools. The speakers collectively urged the board to take proactive measures to address these issues, emphasizing that the well-being of students should be the top priority.

As the meeting concluded, the community's call for action was clear: a need for better resources, training, and support systems to ensure that all students, especially those with special needs, can thrive in a safe and nurturing educational environment. The board's response to these concerns will be closely watched as the community seeks reassurance that their voices are being heard and that meaningful changes will be made.