Parents and teachers press Pottsgrove School Board over repeated violent classroom behavior; board pledges review and follow-up

Dozens of parents, teachers and staff told the Pottsgrove School Board on Sept. 23 that repeated violent and disruptive behavior at Ringing Rocks Elementary School is making classrooms unsafe for students and staff.

The public-comment period at the school board’s September meeting ran for more than an hour as residents described assaults on students and staff, classroom evacuations and what several speakers called a lack of timely communication from the district. "I should not have to worry about what's going on in the classroom," said Kelly Tresdale, a Lower Pottsgrove resident and grandmother of district students. "A child is allowed repeatedly traumatize their classroom and even assault other students and teachers before something is done."

The comments came during a meeting in which board members also approved routine personnel items and several contracts. Many speakers asked for immediate, visible steps — including additional trained staff in buildings, clearer parent communication and an independent review. Robert Biggio, a Ringing Rocks parent, urged a formal investigation: "I am here today asking for the responsible thing and formally requesting that the board perform a thorough investigation into this matter to determine what, how, why, and who is responsible for the culture in the Ringing Rocks Building," he said.

Teachers and staff described injuries and repeated incidents in classrooms. "I was attacked from behind by my student… I suffered injuries to my back and…