21 News received multiple calls to our newsroom regarding the cancelation of special needs prom at Chaney High School and an alleged exclusion of special needs students from the school's traditional prom.

We reached out to school officials who told us this was simply a case of miscommunication.

According to a spokesperson for the Youngstown City School District, Chaney usually holds two proms with one being the traditional prom and the other being exclusively for students with special needs.

However, this year, the school decided to cancel the special needs prom and instead opt for an all-inclusive prom that would allow for special needs students to attend alongside non-special needs students.

The district told us a letter was supposed to be sent out indicating this, but the letter that was sent out had not been approved by the district and was worded in a way that caused some confusion. The message read as follows:

"Prom is May 10 2024 6-8:30 @ Saxon Club. This is regular education prom (not special needs prom)"

This caused some confusion among families of special needs students who took this to mean special needs students would be excluded from the prom. In a statement sent to 21 News, the district apologized for the miscommunication and assured these parents that their child would still be allowed to attend prom.

"We sincerely apologize for any miscommunication. YCSD is an institution that prides itself on equity and inclusion, and any such practice that veers from that is not who we are," the district said.