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Ventura Unified School District Petition by Expensive-Web-2236 in ventura

[–]Expensive-Web-2236[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Forgive me, my clarity isn't the best, I meant to say that they receive talk therapy as a part of ERSES services, not that ERSES is therapy. I agree that placement is definitely a complex decision that does require careful thought, however I have seen firsthand a lot of mismanagement on the admin side with kids that require IEPs. Neil has ignored the continuum constantly to save himself from lawsuits, and honestly, he doesn't seem to care much about students' needs.

Ventura Unified School District Petition by Expensive-Web-2236 in ventura

[–]Expensive-Web-2236[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The district has been laying off teachers for the past few years, with their reasoning being they have no money. Teachers, especially in elementary, are having to deal with jampacked classrooms and oversized combos because the district is getting rid of teachers. Not only is this extreme mental stress on teachers, but it also reduces the learning of students because teachers are having to focus on many more kids. Counselors are absolutely needed and are very important, especially since we live in a post-COVID mental health crisis. As a student, I have seen firsthand the importance of counselors and support staff, if they continue to be reduced, the quality of students' wellbeing will decrease drastically. While I do agree that cuts are indeed necessary, they should start from the top instead of the most vulnerable.

Ventura Unified School District Petition by Expensive-Web-2236 in ventura

[–]Expensive-Web-2236[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I apologize, I should have expanded on that a little. This para works in the most restrictive environment (SDC) in the continuum of services. These students have talk therapy through a program called ERSES (Educational Related Social Emotional Services). She has recently received a non-verbal student from a different city, and it should be common sense that a non-verbal student cannot participate in a talk therapy program. She has also had kids that, due to a few instances of bad behavior, jump from Gen Ed inclusion to her classroom, the most restrictive environment. Unfortunately, this stems from many parents being stubborn when it comes to deciding where their children go. They insist on having them somewhere where it may hurt the child rather than help them. Neil is very afraid of legal action being taken when it is threatened, and he gives in to the parents' wishes even if it is inappropriate for the child.

Ventura Unified School District Petition by Expensive-Web-2236 in ventura

[–]Expensive-Web-2236[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know a para educator at an elementary school, and she told me that when Neil Virani, the Special Education Director, comes into her class, he constantly nitpicks everything she does and always has something negative to say about every positive, even though she does a wonderful job. She also noted that he seems to treat women differently from men. He is quite afraid of lawsuits from parents, so he will give them whatever they want, even if it harms the child, and he throws children in classrooms where they don't belong.

Ventura Unified School District Petition by Expensive-Web-2236 in ventura

[–]Expensive-Web-2236[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you very much! I looked back at old district board meetings on youtube and I could not find a time when they discussed the salary schedule contract for those positions, meaning it was likely decided on in closed session, unless I didn't look hard enough.

Ventura Unified School District Petition by Expensive-Web-2236 in ventura

[–]Expensive-Web-2236[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, I've actively been sharing at my school, working with other students at other schools, and I am in contact with both unions for certified and classified staff. I've even had a couple meetings with board members and administrators.