I understand exactly what you mean about the conversations.
They won't let the kids go on a research vessel? Oy!!!!

I saw a thing on the news last night about the state of education and the budget crisis in CA. I think you are working under very horrible conditions. One of the things that helps you deal with horrible kids is the support of other adults. People like school counselors, psychologists, special ed teachers. It sounds like you don't have much of that.
You are doing the best you can in a very stressful situation. Don't beat yourself up over it.