School bond raises questions about special education access for Hispanic families

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — As New Hanover County voters prepare to decide on a $320.5 million school bond in November, questions about school resources extend beyond classroom space to include access to specialized educational services.

The proposed bond would fund school construction, renovations and districtwide improvements. However, families of students who need special education services may also face challenges related to staffing, funding and navigating the school system.

Benjamin Morsa, a licensed clinical psychologist, said language barriers and concerns about immigration enforcement can make it more difficult for some Hispanic families to access public services, including support for their children in school.

“If you’re a family that has one or more undocumented members, maybe one or more undocumented parents, or even if you aren’t, even if you’re citizens of the United States, but you’re a Hispanic family, given recent crackdowns on immigration and what’s been happening there, there’s a profound chilling effect across all public services, including public schools,” Morsa said.

Morsa said the fear of immigration enforcement can affect families regardless of their citizenship status, potentially making some hesitant to seek help or interact with public institutions.

He also emphasized the importance of connecting with other parents and community advocates, who can help families identify available resources and navigate the process of securing educational support for their children.

As voters consider the proposed school bond, the discussion highlights how school resources involve not only facilities and construction, but also the support students need to succeed.