Josh Smith’s voice trembled as he held his phone and read aloud a prewritten speech to Alpine school board leaders late on April 23. He identified himself as the father of his son Michael, who attends Orem Elementary and has moderate autism.
“Please, please don’t do this,” Smith said. “I kind of feel like you’re throwing my son away. You’re taking away his chance.”
Applause erupted. His plea seemed to resonate with dozens of other audience members who, like Smith, have children enrolled in the Alpine School District’s special education program.
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