Parent Amy McCarty demands accountability after son's assault at Northridge Middle School

During the recent District 118 Board of Education meeting, a poignant and distressing account from a parent highlighted significant concerns regarding student safety and communication protocols within Danville's Northridge Middle School. Amy McCarty, a mother of a 12-year-old boy who was reportedly assaulted at school, expressed her heartbreak and frustration over the lack of communication from school officials following the incident.

McCarty recounted her son's experience, where he was allegedly assaulted by another student who attempted to strangle him and threw chairs at him during a confrontation. Despite the severity of the situation, McCarty stated that she was not informed by the school until a week later, when a teacher mentioned the incident in passing. This revelation came as a shock, as the principal was reportedly unaware of the details when she inquired.

The mother emphasized that it is the responsibility of educators and administrators to inform parents about incidents involving their children, especially those that pose emotional and physical risks. She argued that her son, being only 12 years old, should not bear the burden of deciding whether his parent should be notified about such serious matters. McCarty pointed out that the lack of communication not only undermined her ability to support her child but also raised questions about the school's commitment to student safety.

In her statement, McCarty referenced Illinois law, noting that strangulation is classified as aggravated battery, a serious offense that could lead to significant legal consequences. She expressed her concern that the school's decision to prioritize her son's assertion of being "fine" over the necessity of parental notification was not only unacceptable but potentially dangerous.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion about the protocols in place for handling student safety and communication with parents. As the board continues to address these issues, the community is left to ponder the implications of such incidents and the measures that will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in the district. The meeting underscored the urgent need for clear policies and accountability in schools to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.