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Parents describe assault at Cleveland High and urge stronger school discipline, quicker placements
Summary
Several parents and students told the board they do not feel safe following an assault they say took place at Cleveland High School. They said administrators had prior notice of threats and asked the district to speed up disciplinary and placement processes.
Multiple parents and a student addressed the board on March 11 describing what they said was a premeditated physical attack on a Cleveland High School student. Family members said administrators were shown messages and screenshots in advance and that the district did not provide adequate protection.
A student who identified himself during public comment described being assaulted in class and said he was kicked and punched. His father and other family members spoke afterward, saying they had reported threats to teachers and administrators the day before the incident and that screenshots of the threats had been shared with school staff.
Parent Frances Pierce told the board she arrived at the school after the incident and saw the student’s injuries. "How dare this happen at one of these schools," she said, and urged the board to ensure administrators take pre-incident reports seriously and act to protect students. Pierce said witnesses had met with administrators and the resource officer before the assault and that parents expect more decisive action.
Students who witnessed the attack described ongoing harassment and said they had reported the behavior to two assistant principals, a resource officer and teachers before the assault occurred; they told the board they still do not feel safe in school. One student said the group of attackers had been sending messages and that students had asked adults for help prior to the incident.
Board members responded by arranging to have district staff speak directly with the family and with school administrators after the meeting. Superintendent Dr. Bracey and operations staff said they would follow up and requested the parents provide the student’s name and evidence so central office could review disciplinary actions and placement timelines with school leadership.
Ending: The board did not discuss discipline policy changes during the meeting; members asked administration to investigate this incident, follow up with the family, and report back privately on actions taken to ensure student safety.
