A St. Johns County mother is moving forward with legal action against the local school district. Her decision comes after what she describes as an unsatisfactory response to an attack on her son aboard a school bus last week. This incident has raised serious questions about student safety and administrative accountability within the district.
Key Takeaways
- A St. Johns County mother plans to sue the school district.
- Her son, a 5th grader, was attacked on a school bus.
- The mother claims the district's response was insufficient.
- The incident involved a backpack being slammed on the boy's head.
- The attacking student received a five-day suspension.
Bus Incident Leaves Student Injured
The incident occurred last Thursday, involving Grayson Sargent, a 5th-grade student from Wards Creek Elementary. Grayson was riding the school bus when another student reportedly slammed a backpack onto his head not once, but twice. He left the bus with visible blood on his head.
Grayson described the event, explaining that the other student's backpack had slid under his seat. He picked it up and held it over the seat. "He took it, and then like a minute went by, and then like his backpack, he slammed it on my head," Grayson recounted. "And then I was like this on my seat, and then he dropped it on my head a second time."
Incident Details
- Student Involved: Grayson Sargent, 5th grader
- School: Wards Creek Elementary
- Date: Last Thursday
- Injury: Blood dripping from head, no stitches or concussion
- Weapon: Another student's backpack
Mother's Frustration with District Response
Ashleigh Sargent, Grayson's mother, quickly grew frustrated with the school district's handling of the situation. Despite the severity of the photos showing her son's injury, he did not require stitches or suffer a concussion. However, Ms. Sargent's primary concern was the lack of clear communication and a thorough investigation from school officials.
She stated that the district only began to take the incident seriously after she posted about her frustrations on Facebook over the weekend. This social media post brought the issue to wider attention, prompting a more direct response from school administration.
School District Code of Conduct
The St. Johns County student code of conduct categorizes serious incidents. A 'level four infraction' allows for disciplinary actions. These can include, but are not limited to, an out-of-school suspension lasting up to 10 days. The severity of the punishment depends on the specific circumstances and administrative discretion.
District Acknowledges Incident, Confirms Suspension
Paul Abbatinozzi, Chief of Staff for St. Johns County Schools, confirmed he became aware of the situation during the weekend. He contacted Ms. Sargent on Monday to address her concerns directly. Abbatinozzi emphasized the district's stance on such behavior.
"We certainly don't condone or accept behavior of that nature, whether it's in the classroom or on our buses," Abbatinozzi stated. "I've said repeatedly to folks that our buses are extensions of the classroom."
Ms. Sargent learned that the student responsible for the attack received a five-day suspension. Abbatinozzi declined to share specific details about the punishment. However, he confirmed the incident was treated as a level four infraction under the district's code of conduct. This level indicates a serious breach of student behavior rules.
Seeking Legal Counsel and Broader Accountability
Ashleigh Sargent is now preparing to hire a lawyer. She believes legal action is necessary to ensure accountability and to achieve a more satisfying resolution for her son's experience. Her decision highlights a growing concern among parents regarding school safety and administrative transparency.
Tom Hackney, a Crime and Safety Analyst, supports parents seeking clear answers in such situations. He advises escalating concerns if initial responses are inadequate. "Get to somebody that has some authority, that has responsibility, and can provide you with clear answers," Hackney recommended. "And really, the same goes from the school board."
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office is also investigating the incident. Updates on their investigation are pending. This multi-layered response underscores the seriousness of the event and the community's demand for thoroughness.
The Importance of School Bus Safety
School buses are meant to be safe environments for students. Incidents like the one involving Grayson Sargent underscore the challenges school districts face in maintaining order and ensuring student well-being during transit. Parents rely on these systems to protect their children.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for clear protocols and effective communication between schools and families when incidents occur. It also brings into focus the disciplinary measures in place and whether they adequately address student misconduct to prevent future occurrences.
The outcome of Ms. Sargent's legal action could have implications for how similar incidents are handled across the district. It may also influence policy changes aimed at improving student safety and administrative responsiveness on school transportation.
