During public comment at the Nov. 10 school board meeting, Dariana Trinidad and Jean Trinidad asked trustees to review disciplinary action taken against their son, Dario, a Salem Middle School student with autism.

Dariana Trinidad said school staff, including an assistant principal and nurse, concluded the student was impaired after observed signs such as red eyes and difficulty with coordination; she said a subsequent toxicology test was negative and a developmental pediatrician’s letter described the observed behavior as consistent with autism. "My son was wrongfully accused of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol," she said, asking the board to clear any substance‑related discipline and require staff training on how autism can affect coordination and physical appearance.

Her husband recounted the family’s attempts to provide medical documentation and said a hearing officer nonetheless recommended discipline and required the student to attend a substance‑related program as a condition to return to school. The parents called for a full investigation, record clearing, training for staff on disability indicators and improved communication during disciplinary processes involving students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans.

Board members acknowledged the seriousness of the allegation and the need to review cases that may involve disabilities. The public record in the Nov. 10 meeting does not contain a board directive or formal action on this specific request; the parents asked the board to investigate and report back.