Parents were shocked and upset earlier this week when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools voted to send Pre-Kindergarten and students with special needs back into virtual learning. Now, parents of one student are threatening to sue the district.
"To say we're disappointed puts it mildly. We're disappointed, we're saddened," said Glen Stephens, father of CMS second grade student John. Stephens said John, who has special needs, has spent most of the year learning virtually, but he is not able to make a connection with others through the computer screen.
CMS held a meeting Tuesday (December 22) to vote on whether to send the students to remote learning. CMS Superintendent Earnest Winston said he understand parents' concerns but that the district is "acting responsibly."
The board ultimately voted 8-1 to send Pre-K and students with special needs to remote learning until January 19. Earlier this month, the board moved most students in the district back to virtual learning, but left Pre-K and those with special needs in a classroom environment. The board's vote on Tuesday now means all students are remote.
"I am saddened that we need to make this move but I believe we cannot ensure the health and safety of all of our students without this action," said board member Carol Sawyer.
In response, Stephens filed a complaint with the state that claimed CMS is breaking the law and denying his child his civil rights. He has hired an education attorney who will help decide if they should file a lawsuit against the district.
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