'We Have To Be His Voice For Him': Parents Question Bixby Schools Special Education Practices

Nine families have filed complaints with the state against Bixby Public Schools over special education practices within the district.

All of the parents have children with Down Syndrome and say the district is not doing enough to support their education by segregating them from the rest of their peers.

Luke Haley's 9-year-old son, Layton, is a third grader at Bixby West Elementary.

"I feel like we are the piece of the Bixby community that doesn't fit that right now; there's not a place for my son in Bixby Public Schools. He doesn't fit here. And quite honestly, we don't know where to go," said Haley.

Haley is one of nine parents who made formal complaints to the State Board of Education, citing instances of exclusionary practices and what they believe is a violation of federal law, even though Bixby has been found in compliance with state standards.

“We have always petitioned Bixby meeting after meeting, year after year, to get more time with his friends in the typical classroom. And sadly, the answer has always been no. So, for the past four years, 80% of our son's day has been segregated away from his friends," said Haley.

In the state's response, the school district is now required to re-examine each individual student's education plans. 

Superintendent Rob Miller says:

"At Bixby Schools, every student matters, especially those in special education. We take every parent's concerns to heart because inclusion is at the core of our district's values. Our commitment is to provide unwavering support to every child. Upon learning of these concerns, we took proactive steps to collaborate with these families and develop a robust plan to enhance their student's academic and social well-being. We are confident that by working together, we can effectively address any remaining issues."

Haley says he's still waiting for that collaboration but is hopeful.

"Jesus tells us that when you do for the least of these, you do for me. and the kids that we are advocating for are absolutely the least of these and I'm asking Bixby to see them for the precious souls that they are and lift them up and make them feel like they belong with their peers because that's what ultimately this is about," he said.