I am the parent of a child receiving special education services and an engaged member of the Pasco County community.
I am writing to raise a concern shared by many families in our district: the lack of accessible summer programming for students with disabilities. While many families rely on camps and structured enrichment programs during the summer months, students like mine are often left without any safe or suitable options.
Like many other parents, I made the necessary decision to leave my career in order to care for my child during the summer, because no available programs could safely support them.
But this issue goes beyond summer. My child, and many others, have already been effectively excluded from magnet programs, many charter schools, and even our neighborhood schools. And while “school choice” is often promoted, the reality is that parents like me are left with very few nearby options, and may need to commute up to 45 minutes each way just to reach a school equipped to meet our child’s needs.
We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for thoughtful planning and consistent support.
I respectfully ask:
- Are there any current plans to create summer programs that support students with disabilities? • Has the district explored community partnerships or available funding to help make these programs possible?
- What steps are in place to ensure students receiving special education services are supported throughout the entire year, not just during the school year?
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in any future discussions or planning efforts around this topic. I am confident that, together, we can work toward solutions that reflect our community’s commitment to all of its children.
Parent and community advocate Carmen Singleton sent this open letter to the Pasco County school board and the community.
