Are schools safe for kids?

 And you thought school was safe?

An aide in the DC public schools has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge for putting hot sauce in the mouth of a nine-year old non-verbal child on the autism spectrum because “he deserved it”.  Under an agreement, the D.C. Superior Court judge could dismiss the charge if Davis stays out of trouble and completes community service before her July 22 court sentencing.  If that happens her record will be cleansed and there will be no record of her having committed the behavior.

A teacher who saw the behavior reported it to the principal who reported the situation to Child Protective Services.  At the present time the District refuses to report on the employment status of the aide.  There is no record of her having been terminated or disciplined.  If her court record is expunged she will be free of any indication that this behavior occurred.

The incident comes in the wake of a broader investigation into the delivery of special education services by DC public schools.  The investigation began last year before the demolition of U.S Office of Education by the current administration.  So there is no update on where the investigation is heading.

The incident happened on September 11.  The mother’s attorney has informed the District of the mother’s intent to sue if the two sides cannot negotiate a settlement to the family’s civil battery claim.

The school has said it has offered “support” to the child and the family, although it is not clear exactly what that support is.  The mom has previously reported her child had come home with scratches and bruises in recent weeks.   The school told her that “probably” happened on the bus ride but there was no investigation.  Six months later, the child is still refusing to go to school and the District has not transferred him to another school.

With a clean record, no District discipline, one cannot help but wonder where the perpetrator will show up next. Just how badly do we need aides in schools?