Board of Education confirms suspension for student involved in violent school incident

The Union Public Schools Board of Education convened on July 14, 2025, to address the suspension of a middle school student, referred to as Student B, following a serious incident involving physical violence. The meeting began with a statement from the administration outlining the circumstances surrounding the suspension, emphasizing that the actions taken were based on Student B's behavior during the incident.

The administration clarified that Student B's suspension was warranted due to an intentional attack on another student, which included stomping on the victim while they were restrained. The board was informed that Student B had previously been warned not to engage with other students but chose to initiate a fight, resulting in significant damage to property and a breach of the district's anti-violence policies.

Following the administration's presentation, the board entered an executive session to deliberate on the suspension. During this time, they reviewed the evidence presented at the hearing, which included testimonies and video footage of the incident. The board members discussed the importance of upholding district policies regarding student conduct and the necessity of setting a precedent for acceptable behavior.

After deliberation, the board voted unanimously to affirm the suspension of Student B, which will last until the end of the fall semester. The decision reflects the board's commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful school environment, reinforcing that extracurricular activities, such as participation in sports, are privileges that can be revoked in cases of misconduct.

In conclusion, the board's actions underscore their dedication to addressing violence in schools and ensuring that students understand the consequences of their actions. The meeting highlighted the importance of adhering to established policies and the role of the board in enforcing discipline to foster a safe educational atmosphere.