Click here to see the ORIGINAL REPORT: Time-Out Rooms

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Lee County - Parents upset about the use of time-out rooms in Lee County schools, accused the board on Tuesday night of condoning abuse with their lack of action.

The parents cited a WINK News investigation that exposed the use of time out rooms to calm students acting out in class. In the WINK News report, 3 parents relayed similar stories. The parents claim their special needs children were locked in the rooms, and at times restrained. The parents say the isolation rooms are inhumane and dangerous for special need kids who
might injure themselves.

Diane Swasey, a concerned citizen, told board members she was speaking on behalf of several parents, afraid to go before the board out of fear of retaliation.

Swasey says, "The abuse this board and the superintendent has condoned is reprehensible. The expose on WINK shows only the tip of the iceberg."

After hearing the parents concerns board member Bob Chilmonik made a motion calling for an independent investigation into the use of time out rooms in Lee County Schools.

"We need to look at it independently...with experts from outside, to take a fresh look at it to protect our children and employees."

But Chilmonik's motion did not get support from the other members of the board.

Instead board member Elinor Scricca asked the superintendent to look into the time out issue and report back to the board.

Trust WINK News to continue to follow this issue.