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Parents press board on unresolved bus assault, urge district not to cut elementary literacy coaching
Summary
During audience recognition at the April 28 meeting, a parent demanded action after his son was assaulted on a school bus; other residents urged the district to retain elementary ELA TOSA coaching positions to support a new literacy curriculum.
Three residents used the audience‑recognition portion of the April 28 Wallingford‑Swarthmore School Board meeting to press the district on two separate concerns: a parent asked for a restorative meeting after his son was assaulted on a school bus, and several speakers urged the board and administration not to eliminate elementary ELA TOSA (teacher‑on‑special‑assignment) positions while a new literacy curriculum is implemented.
Dean Dennis of Emerald Lane told the board his son was assaulted on a bus 95 days earlier and said he had received no action he considered meaningful. “I find it somewhat disgusting, despicable that no one on this board has done anything,” Dennis said, requesting privately mediated restorative contact between the aide involved and his son so the family can find closure. He said he was not seeking litigation but “hoping that the aide can private[ly] sit down with Alex, discuss the event, and hopefully apologize.”
Several residents spoke about literacy implementation and staffing. Bridget Mead of Harvard Avenue thanked district staff for the curriculum selection work but warned that the proposed 2025–26 budget would eliminate an elementary ELA TOSA position she described as “central to the successful implementation of this new curriculum.” Mead said more than 50 classrooms will implement the new program and that removing coaching and implementation support risks overwhelming teachers.
Mandy Hubley (Cameron Drive) urged the board to track a related state policy process—Act 135 and an anticipated trailer bill she said will clarify funding and requirements for structured literacy—so the district can align curriculum, screening and professional learning with updated state guidance. Jason Van Hollis, an educator who described years of classroom experience, praised the district’s move toward “science of reading” curricula and urged the board to fund professional learning and implementation supports so teachers can deliver the program with fidelity.
Board members acknowledged the public comments and indicated administrative follow‑up will be necessary. The district did not announce immediate action on the bus incident in the public meeting; Dr. Scanlon acknowledged the comment and the board invited offline follow‑up.
