Multiple public commenters addressed the Wentzville R‑IV Board of Education on Feb. 20 to urge continued inclusion for students with disabilities and to call for board action to protect those students’ federally guaranteed accommodations.

Ella, a sixth-grade student with cerebral palsy, described how inclusion has helped her participate in class and extracurriculars and asked the board to ensure all children have access to the same opportunities. Her mother, Ashley Schopletzel, recounted historical barriers to education for children with disabilities and invoked the Americans with Disabilities Act as context for inclusion efforts.

Other speakers raised alarm about legal developments they said might threaten Section 504 protections and federal support for programs including special education, Head Start and Medicaid-funded services. Commenters urged board members and local officials to publicly commit to protecting accommodations and to clarify how the district would maintain services if state or federal policies change.

One speaker, Adam Lawman, also referenced votes by some board members and state officials that he said contributed to the risk of reduced protections. Another commenter, Krista Salvatore, identified herself as a 9/11 survivor and criticized board member Julie Scott for a public comparison Scott made regarding the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration; Salvatore and another speaker said Scott’s comment was offensive and demanded an apology or that Scott not serve on the board.

Why it matters: Public comment highlighted the lived experience of students who benefit from inclusion as well as community anxiety about external policy changes. The remarks placed pressure on the board to clarify its stance and to explain how it will protect district students’ access to services and accommodations.

Administration response: District administrators thanked commentators and said the district values inclusion and would continue to provide services. Several speakers said they wanted a clearer, public statement from the board affirming protections for students with disabilities.

Next steps: Speakers requested that the board and administration articulate a plan and public assurances that the district will continue to provide accommodations irrespective of pending state or federal actions. No formal board directive was recorded during the Feb. 20 meeting.