Brianna, a Southbridge resident and parent of a child with level‑3 autism spectrum disorder, told the Southbridge School Committee on Jan. 14 that a July clerical error and subsequent staffing changes for her child’s out‑of‑district transportation “removed his core transport team” and produced what she described as “regression” and increased medical and behavioral crises.

“I advocate for specialized training for all van staff, more power for the school of attendance in the event of out of district placements, and a firm veto power for parents,” Brianna said during the public comment portion of the meeting. She also said the district’s response included a firm refusal to restore the original van staff and a new requirement that her child be transported only if a four‑point restraint was used.

Brianna described the consequences she says followed the staff change: missed school days and life‑changing occupational therapy, speech therapy and applied behavior analysis services; additional medications; emergency‑room or urgent‑care visits; and one instance she said involved restraint that caused severe distress. She told the committee that she pursued the matter with “the superintendent of schools” and that attempts at resolution were unsuccessful.

Committee chair Martina Shay temporarily paused the meeting to ask whether the speaker’s time should be extended; the body voted to grant additional time and Brianna continued. She presented written and video evidence to the committee, and said prior van staff had agreed verbally to return but the district declined to reinstate them.

Brianna asked the committee to consider three specific remedies: training for all van staff on needs associated with severe autism, increased authority for the student’s school of attendance over decisions affecting out‑of‑district placements, and parental veto power over staffing decisions that affect a child’s transportation. She said she had taken on transportation duties herself after financial strain from the situation.

The committee did not take formal action on any of the remedies requested during the Jan. 14 meeting. Members did not announce a decision or a specific follow‑up assignment on the record during the public comment agenda item.