Alpine School District Faces Opposition to Proposed Special Education Class Adjustments
A proposed adjustment to special education classes for elementary school students in the Alpine School District has sparked controversy and prompted a petition opposing the move. The district is exploring options to better serve their life skills students in kindergarten through sixth grade, with the proposal being presented during a board of education meeting in February.
The proposed restructuring aims to reduce the number of transitions between programs at the elementary level while ensuring students are placed at their neighborhood schools or as close as possible to their neighborhood schools. District leaders believe that this realignment will allow for more collaboration among program teachers and improve continuity for students by keeping them in one building with the same teachers for longer periods.
However, some parents, like Remi Forrest, whose child is in the life skills program at Trailside Elementary School, are concerned about the potential impact of the proposed changes. Forrest expressed her worries about her son having to move schools and relearn basic skills if the restructuring takes place.
In response to the proposed changes, Forrest organized a Change.org petition opposing the option, highlighting the concerns of parents who feel that the district’s plan may disrupt their children’s education and social connections.
While the district emphasizes that the recommendation is still in the proposal phase and no formal decision has been made, parents like Carly Bates, who supports the consolidation of special education classes, believe that having specialized educators centralized to support each other creates a stronger learning environment.
The Alpine School District is actively gathering feedback on the proposed plan, with the next school board meeting scheduled for April 23. The community remains divided on the issue, with both supporters and opponents voicing their opinions on the potential impact of the proposed changes on special education students in the district.