Over the past few weeks, I've received several inquiries about Tyler McLeod, the 13-year old autistic boy who was transferred from Salem Middle, his base school, which he had been visiting for the better part of last year to prepare for his transition from elementary school.

Here's the update: Despite notes from doctors, teachers and phone calls from several congressmen, the Wake County School Board upheld the decision to reassign Tyler -- first to East Cary and then to Reedy Creek Middle.

It didn't go well. McLeod says Reedy Creek simply didn't have the special education staff in place to handle her son.

The school system brought in a person for this position, but the training took time. And during that time, Tyler regressed dramatically. One day in the library, Tyler was told he couldn't check out a specific book. Frustrated and confused, Tyler threw the book at a staff member and was suspended for two days.

Dawn McLeod, her mind spinning, just wanted to get her son back to the place where he knew the staff and students -- Salem Middle -- where he'd been countless times over the years while visiting his older sister. Dawn took a drastic step.

"Although he is high academically, I asked for a transfer to a lower-level functioning autistic class at his base school in order to try and undo the regression," she says. "At this point, I am more concerned with his behavior rather than academics. Maybe since they are familiar with autism, they can get him back on track, and next year we can move him to the upper class where he belongs."

The board granted the transfer. Tyler started in the special education class at Salem Middle School last month.

Dawn McLeod is overcome with relief. "What a huge difference in attitude," she says. "The head of special education there called, and they are welcoming us with open arms."

For Tyler, the news is good. "He's doing great," she says. "The teacher and staff are very interested in his well being, and they have all stepped up to help. Instead of negative reports every day, I get positive ones, which certainly helps me sleep better at night."

As for Dawn McLeod, the only thing that matters has been accomplished. Her son is where he needs to be and hopefully can catch back up to where he was a few months ago. Frankly, I admire her for not coming right out and saying, "I told you so." I couldn't be that classy.

Hopefully, the school board will keep this example on the front burner. This is a lesson we shouldn't have to learn twice.