During the public-comment portion of the Massapequa Union Free School District Board of Education meeting, a parent and resident, Ashley Ross, spoke about her dual perspectives as an alumna and as a parent of two district children, one of whom receives special-education services. Ross said she wants to be better informed about where budget dollars go and expressed concern that parents of children with special needs sometimes feel defensive or reluctant to ask questions.

Ross recounted her own school experience and diagnosis of ADHD and said she values the district’s special-education services. She asked the board to continue to make budget and program information accessible and encouraged parents to attend meetings. Board members responded by encouraging public participation, naming resources including district SEPTA and superintendent follow-up, and offering to meet privately or in small groups to discuss concerns.

Superintendent and board members noted the district livestreams meetings, posts detailed budget numbers on the website, and plans community budget presentations and PTA/SEPTA meetings to explain budget codes and answer questions in smaller forums. The board did not take action based on the public comment but documented the concern and offered follow-up options.