Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyParents reacted with anger and disgust as they viewed footage from
YouTube shot inside the
Lincoln Elementary School in Prescott.
"I don't know, that just makes me sick," said Sheri Wells, a parent of a child at Lincoln. "It's not even humane for an animal."
The video shows what's commonly referred to as a "seclusion room" but what some at the school called "Mr. Jail." It's a padded cell with unbreakable windows, magnetic locks and a souring reputation.
"The room has been in existence for about 12 years," Prescott District Superintendent Kevin Kapp said. "And I am well aware that there are some concerns over the use of this type of room."
The superintendent said the seclusion room has been used to hold the district's most violent children with special needs, including autism.
Some parents say it's way to much for elementary school students less than 12 years old.
"I would think mentally, it would do terrible things to them," Wells said. "It tells them nobody cares, that no one wants to listen to them."
Parents say the seclusion room is not an acceptable form of treatment in 2009.
"I think this speaks to the problem and that's that services aren't being provided to special needs," Tony Myers said of the room. "Their answer is to put them in a locked box."
"Bottom line, it needs to be removed," Wells agreed. "Whether it was yesterday or today, it needs to be gone."
The superintendent spoke with Tom Horne, the State Superintendent, after questions were raised. Horne said the room should be removed.
Kapp said it will be take down this summer.
"Sometimes persisting in using something that is no longer view as popular or even positive isn't worth it," Kapp said.
