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YOUNGSTOWN -- A parent with multiple special needs children in the Youngstown City School District questioned Tuesday how she could find assistance to help her children keep up with their lessons during a Board of Education meeting.
Tammy Singleton told board members that she has children in four different school buildings and is finding it difficult to provide help to all of her children in their classes.
Singleton was one of two parents that spoke during a virtual meeting with board members and others. The meeting was called to give parents an opportunity to express their concerns about the experiences their children are having during the untraditional school year.
"I have several special needs children, with one being severely disabled that I cannot leave during classes," Singleton said. "I have all the children in separate rooms during the day."
Because her one child requires all of her attention during the school day, Singleton cannot help the other children when they are having problems.
"We should have special support," she said. "Are there aids or anything that can be done to help parents with multiple students at different schools?"
Singleton also criticized the leadership at East High School, stating they are not providing good communication with parents.
"The chain of command is terrible," Singleton said.
A parent and guardian of several football players, Singleton complained parents were not informed about the availability of tickets to games.
Singleton emphasized she does not blame teachers.
"They are going above and beyond to help their students," she said.
District Superintendent Joseph Meranto said the best thing Singleton can do is to contact the school principal to address her concerns.
Alexis Gibbs, a stay-at-home father, said he understands the frustrations of parents with kids at multiple schools attempting to keep up with all the lessons being given to their children. Especially those parents that may be working full time, then coming home and having to try to make sure their children are on task with all of their school work.
"Parents can become frustrated," Gibbs said.
Gibbs suggested the district may consider developing paper lessons plans that parents my pick up on the Friday prior to the next week's lesson, so parents and guardians will have guides to what their students are supposed to be doing.
School Board President Brenda Kimble hoped to get more participation from parents.
"Hopefully, we eventually will get back into school buildings," Kimble said.