Special education is in my DNA. For the past 34 years my mother has been the Academic Coordinator of Park Century School, nationally recognized as one of the leading schools for students with learning disabilities. One of my first jobs was as a teacher’s aide in special ed academic and P.E. classes, grades one through eight. I have witnessed firsthand the incredibly difficult challenges special ed students and their parents face. I understand special ed curricula and federal law mandating a free and appropriate education for each student.

Two years ago I was shocked and angered to learn, along with the rest of the community, of the combative attitude SMMUSD administrators displayed toward special ed parents advocating for their children. The Santa Monica City Council refused to release an extra $.5 million earmarked for the district until the board stopped the district’s practice of forcing parents to sign confidentiality agreements (“gag orders”) not to discuss their children’s individualized education programs with third parties.

The gag orders have been discontinued, and public-relations-type meetings have been held—giving the impression that problems have been solved. However, many conflicts, some involving high legal fees for both parents and the district, remain. As a board member, I will commit myself to oversee our special ed practices very closely.