As the mother of two autistic children growing up in Highlands County, Florida, I have witnessed firsthand the shortcomings of our public school system for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. My son, M., has endured traumatic experiences in his understaffed ESE classroom, including multiple biting incidents from overstressed peers. Despite the dedication of his teachers, aides, and support staff, the classroom environment remains unsafe due to a severe lack of resources.

This situation is not unique to M. Hundreds of students across Highlands County — and thousands across Florida — face similar challenges. Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate staffing, and delays in support leave our most vulnerable children at risk. Especially in rural areas, where there are no private or charter school alternatives, public schools must be equipped to provide both the resources and the security students deserve.

To address these issues, we urge immediate action in the following areas:

Immediate Staffing Increases
Hire additional qualified staff to support ESE classrooms and reduce the overwhelming burden on current teachers and aides. Overcrowding not only hinders learning but also puts student safety and well-being at risk.
Eliminate Delays for Support Services
Right now, staff must wait eight weeks before they can even request additional support, because the School Board requires that data be collected first — even when safety concerns are happening in real time. This delay is unacceptable and leaves students like M. in unsafe situations. The district must eliminate this barrier and provide prompt intervention when safety is at stake.
Statewide Camera Mandate
Building on the successful pilot in Broward County, Florida should require cameras in all self-contained ESE classrooms upon a parent’s request. Cameras provide transparency, protect students who cannot speak for themselves, and offer staff support and accountability.
Ensure Safety and Dignity
ESE students deserve classrooms that protect their safety and dignity while giving them the support they need to learn and grow. Florida’s commitment to its most vulnerable children must be unwavering.

We call on the Florida Department of Education and local school authorities to prioritize these solutions. Highlands County can and should be a model for the entire state — showing that when communities come together, we can ensure a safer, more supportive educational environment for ESE students.

Please sign this petition to demand immediate action and to stand with ESE students and their families across Florida.

Thank you for your support.