The 6-year-old-boy who shot and wounded his teacher in Virginia This month had repeatedly threatened other students that day, but school administrators prevailed. “paralyzed by apathy” The teacher’s lawyer refused to intervene. Wednesday.
The Bullet remains lodged in teacher Abigail Zwerner’s Her attorney stated that she was unable to speak for herself and would need to undergo a lifetime’s worth of physical and mental rehabilitation. Zwerner, 25, on Wednesday Notification of intent to sue Newport News School District for failing to respond to repeated threats reported on Jan. 6. According to her lawyer.
“Abby Zwerner was shot in front of those horrified kids and the school and community are living the nightmare, all because the school administration failed to act,” Attorney Diane Toscano said. “This should have never happened. It was preventable. And thank God Abby is alive.”
Amid criticism and uproar over by parents and teachers, the school board voted to relieve district superintendent George Parker III. He is now effective in his duties Feb. 1 as part or a separation agreement.
Michelle PriceThe spokesperson for Newport News Public Schools, told USA TODAY in an emailed statement that the district continued to investigate the shooting and could not comment on the statements made by Zwerner’s Because of the investigation, a lawyer was necessary.
Lawyer Allegations that school was warned three times
Toscano described the three warnings in a statement to reporters. According To the statement:
- The The boy threatened to beat up another child that morning at 11:15. Zwerner An administrator was contacted.
- Another Around 12:30 p.m., a teacher reported to administrators that she had searched the bag of the boy because she believed he had a firearm. She didn’t find it but suggested he might have pocketed it when he went to recess.
- Another teacher reported to administrators the student had shown a different child the gun and threatened to shoot him if he told.
“Abby and these other teachers tried to do the right thing,” Toscano said. “On that day, over the course of a few hours, three different times – three times – school administration was warned by concerned teachers and employees that the boy had a gun on him at the school and was threatening people. But the administration could not be bothered.”
School Official to leave in the wake of shooting
Newport News School District School Board Announcement Parker’s Following a special meeting, you can leave. Wednesday. Chair Lisa Surles-Law It was then decided “without cause,” And said Parker A “capable division leader” Who served? Newport News Through challenging times for almost five years
The Board voted 5-1 for the separation agreement. Effective Feb. 1, Parker Will be “relieved of his duties” As superintendent.
Parker Had served Newport News Fast five years. The Board also known as Michele MitchellAs interim superintendent, he currently serves as the executive director for student advancement.
What’s Next in the case
Toscano Her client and the larger community will closely watch the school district’s reaction. She It was suggested that teachers would be considered disposable if they were to fight the lawsuit.
“How could anyone find the courage to confidently face a class of students again?” Toscano said. “Since they can’t roll back time and undo the callousness of the bureaucracy, they can do the right thing and admit what went wrong and fix it and take care of Abby now.”
More Information on 6-year old who shot teacher
The According to police, the gun that was used in the shooting was purchased legally by the mother of the boy. The The gun was confiscated by the family of the boy, according to a statement released last week. “secured.” The family’s attorney, James EllensonThe story was told The Associated Press His understanding was that the gun was located in the woman’s closet, on a shelf that was over 6 feet tall. It had a trigger lock that required keys.
The In its statement, the family also stated that the boy had an “acute disability” A care plan was in place. “that included his mother or father attending school with him and accompanying him to class every day.” The According to the family, it was the first occasion that a parent had not been in class during the shooting.
Parker According to reports, at least one administrator was informed on the day of shooting that the boy might be carrying a weapon. However, no weapon was discovered when the backpack was searched.
Contributing: Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY; The Associated Press