BOTETOURT COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Botetourt County parents are fighting for more changes in the school system for their 16-year-old son.
The Mnichs have a son with autism and down syndrome. Back in March, they said their son was sent home with bags of feces in a backpack with his clothes, and now they're fighting to improve the way their son is taught in the school.
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The parents have even hired an educational consultant to help with the process.
"Unfortunately, we have struggled to get this done with the school system," says Janet Lennon, educational consultant.
The Mnichs sent a 1,500 page letter with documentation to the Department of Education, citing 21 violations against Botetourt County schools. They focus on the Individualized Education Program, or IEP, which sets goals for each child for a school year.
Based on the state's investigation, the school system violated one regulation about written notices to be sent out within a certain time frame. The Mnichs said it's a step forward toward their ultimate goal - to get better services provided for their son.
The Mnichs said it's hard seeing their child struggle daily just to communicate.
"I think the IEP is always encouraging and optimistic approach to what you want the child to do, but it can be very disheartening and frustrating -the things they talk to you about and don't transpire later in the year," Phil Mnich explained.
Meanwhile, the supervisor of special education with Botetourt County Schools said she can't comment on specific students, but the department will work closely with the Department of Education to correct any violations.