ECTOR COUNTY, Texas — Update:
Ector County Independent School District Superintendent Scott Muri responded to Disability Rights Texas' filed complaint Tuesday.
Dr. Muri said the district is trying to get more staff on board to help out special needs students.
"The State of Texas we've had challenges with special education funding for years and the federal government has pointed that out. We made some changes recently in our state to provide more funding, but still we have some catch up to do. In addition to that, we have significant staffing shortages such as diagnosticians. That particular position is the individual that assesses students to determine if they are in need of special education services or not and so not only do we have a shortage of that particular profession or that particular role in ECISD, but across the state continues to be a fashion," Dr. Muri said. "So, not surprised that people are concerned. But I think what's the reassurances? You know, that at least we as an organization are doing a significant amount to make sure that we're meeting the needs of kids, but also that we're growing that pipeline of diagnosticians and then seeking other ways to bring those types of individuals abroad."
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Disability Rights Texas has filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency saying Ector County ISD violated a federal law.
"ECISD has failed to meet federally mandated timelines for evaluating students with disabilities, resulting in a denial of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) under IDEA for as many as 500 children," Disability Rights Texas said in a press release. "Since the district says it still has more public records to provide to DRTx, it’s suspected that the number of children impacted is much higher."
A concerned parent told Disability Rights Texas that they are upset with ECISD.
"My son has been swept under the rug for a year and a half. This is seriously impacting him academically and emotionally,” the parent said. “He has lost hope and doesn’t feel safe at school.”
In response to the complaint, ECISD says they just heard about it and they will have to read the full complaint before coming out with a full response.
We will keep you updated as this is a developing story.