ADAMS TWP — Officials with the Mars School District reaffirmed their commitment to improving the district’s special needs programs during another heavily attended meeting Tuesday.

At the board’s regular meeting dozens of parents again appeared and spoke during the public comment periods to voice concerns about the district’s programming, as well as a recently-released audit outlining its issues.

The audit, completed in December and released in January, indicates the district is out of compliance with state rules in a number of areas, including “least restrictive environment,” which is based on a student’s ability to be educated with nondisabled peers to the greatest extent possible.

Other areas of non-compliance include parent training, personnel training and a lack of documentation used for students to make the transition from high school to college or the work force.

A dozen parents spoke during last week’s work session, asking the board and administration what they intended to do about the audit, and how parents could get involved.

On Tuesday many from that contingent spoke again, presenting the board with a list of questions they would like to see answered. Many suggested the public comment period, which regulates the amount of time a person can speak and is not intended to be a “question and answer session,” is not helpful to fixing the problem.

“We’d like to see a little more transparency,” said Megan Lenz. “You’re creating an ‘us versus them’ situation with the community.”

Parent Julia Konitzky distributed the list of questions, which was generated through a group discussion of more than 120 individuals. She said a major concern is who should be accountable and when those questions will be addressed.

Other parents, including Cassie Budzilek, said the board should consider how the issues are being perceived by others in the district and beyond. She added an open forum would give the impression that board members care about the students.

“We don’t just want to be patted on the back and told thanks for sharing,” she said.

Wes Shipley, superintendent, said at least four meetings have been held in recent weeks to address issues raised in the audit. Administrators will produce a plan by July 1, and will continue to correspond with state officials to get updates on the district’s progress.

Shipley said the district has been focusing on special education for several years, hiring the Keystone Educational Consulting Group last spring to assist with changes. Representatives from that office will continue to set goals until their contract is up at the end of the year, with the district “taking ownership” of the plan thereafter. He added the district has also hired five new staff members specifically for special education.

Dayle Ferguson, board president, said those working on implementing changes to the program have done “an excellent job.” She said the board will share any information that it can, but a plan is still being formulated.

“When there’s something to share, we will share it,” she said, adding the board will ultimately decide whether to approve the plan. “When we are able to answer (questions), based on the recommendations, we will do that.”

In other matters, the board voted 5-2, with one abstention, to seek bids for HVAC equipment and installation in the high school gymnasium. Board member William Pettigrew requested a roll-call vote on the matter, with he and John Kennedy voting no. Board member Christine Valenta abstained.