Autism Funding for 2025-2026 School Year

Parents are demanding transparency regarding staffing and funding decisions made during the 2025–2026 school year at Lake Arbor Elementary School. Families were informed that funding was not available for critical autism-related supports, including a dedicated sensory room and a Special Education/Autism Coordinator position. However, during the 2025–2026 school year, a Math Resource Chairperson position was created. This has led parents to question why resources were available for the creation of a new academic leadership position while longstanding special education and autism-related needs remained unaddressed. Under the leadership of Principal Dr. LaTanya Sothern and the oversight of Instructional Director Andrew Dalton, parents repeatedly raised concerns regarding the growing needs of autistic students, including sensory regulation supports, staff training, safety concerns, and specialized coordination of services. In other words, Area 1 office knew what this principal was doing and did nothing. Lied to those inquiring about the position saying it was filled or it was only part time amongst 2 schools (Lake Arbor & Ardmore) Despite these concerns, families were told that funding limitations prevented the implementation of additional autism supports. Parents are requesting a full accounting of how autism-related funding was allocated and whether funds that could have supported special education initiatives were redirected to other priorities. Families deserve to know why a Math Resource Chairperson position was funded while requests for autism-specific supports continued to go unmet. For autistic students, supports such as sensory rooms, specialized coordination, and properly trained staff are not optional. They are essential components of providing a free and appropriate public education. Parents are calling for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring that future funding decisions prioritize the needs of students with disabilities. The question remains: Why was funding available for the creation of a new chairperson position, but not for the autism supports that families had been requesting for the years Sothern has been here? It was not this way when previous principal was there she cared about autistic families.