Advocacy group to speak out to city council
Members of a local non-profit that supports special education students and their families will voice complaints Thursday during a visit to City Council.
Special Parent Advocacy Group (SPAG) said several incidents that placed students in both emotional and physical danger, plus, inadequate in-class support created problems.
A Facebook post indirectly blamed Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson for several incidents that injured special education students.
“Mayor (Jackson) appoints our Board of Education, so therefore, we hold the City of Trenton responsible for putting our children’s lives at risk and allowing our students to continue to be neglected,” SPAG announced.
SPAG referenced a 2016 summer incident when a special needs student was sexually assaulted on a Trenton public schools bus.
Approximately 45 other special education students were being watched by one bus aide.
In December, a three-year-old pre-school disabled student suffered injuries to his face and head after being attacked by another student.
SPAG called “inexcusable” that no aide had been assigned for the school bus ride.
“Safe transportation to and from school is a major issue for our special needs students” SPAG explained.
Nicole Whitfield, founder and executive director of SPAG, penned the website post then added a telephone interview with The Trentonian.
“I’ve had private conversations with Mayor Jackson and he said his influence can help with some of our issues. It’s time for that influence to happen,” Whitfield said.
The group and parents have identified code violations “in regards to the lack of in-class support.”
Whitfield admitted frustration prior to an appearance before city council members.
“It’s tough enough to battle poverty and special needs issues. Parents should not be afraid of putting their children on school buses,” Whitfield reasoned.
SPAG’s website added this rallying call.
“We will not tolerate the lives of our children being placed at risk.
“We are tired of talking, so now its time to show up and shout out that we are not going to stand for this anymore.”