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Mountain Pointe sophomore describes assault and bullying; family asks Tempe Union board for investigation
Summary
A Mountain Pointe High School sophomore described a series of threats, harassment and a physical altercation during public comment and her mother asked the Tempe Union Governing Board to investigate and clarify the school's safety plan before the student's return.
A Mountain Pointe High School sophomore told the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board she was verbally harassed, threatened and then attacked in class and received a longer suspension than the student she says assaulted her.
The student, Trandy Tarver, said the incident began in a dance class on Aug. 19 when another student objected to Tarver using a classroom fan and later threatened to “slap” her. Tarver described repeated verbal taunts in a later class and said the other student “tells me to go kill myself multiple times” and said “my mom should have swallowed me,” and that the student threw and broke Tarver’s school-issued computer. Tarver said she received a 10-day suspension while the other student received two days.
The disparity in discipline and what the family described as a failure by school staff to follow up prompted Tarver’s mother, Shondra Jackson, to ask the board to investigate how the incident was handled and to develop a safety plan for Tarver’s return to campus. "Not being able to have her input or even her statement being taken or written down has caused a tremendous amount of stress," Jackson said during public comment.
Why it matters: The family says the suspension and handling of the incident threaten Tarver’s academic plans, including Advanced Placement coursework and a planned student leadership role. The account raises questions about how Mountain Pointe administration documents and responds to harassment and how the district ensures student safety and equitable discipline outcomes.
Board response and next steps: At the close of public comment a board member asked Superintendent Dr. Wilson for follow-up. The transcript records the request: "Doctor Wilson, can we follow-up?" The district did not record a formal motion or vote to open a disciplinary investigation on the public record during the meeting; the board directed staff to follow up rather than taking an immediate formal action.
Details and context: Tarver said she filed a written statement with a staff member she named as "Mister Rodriguez," who she said told her he would handle the matter. The family said they requested a manifestation-determination meeting but that it occurred without Tarver’s participation. Jackson said the family has not received details of a written safety plan for her daughter's reentry and expressed concern the school "failed to follow-up" after earlier reports of harassment.
District policy: The board read the public-comment policy (BEDH) at the start of the public-comment period; the policy limits board responses and restricts immediate board action to directing staff to study or to place the matter on a future agenda.
Records and evidence: The speakers referenced audio and video that they said document some of the events; the board did not publicly review those materials during the meeting.
What the family requested: Jackson asked the board to investigate the administration’s handling of the incident, to ensure Tarver’s voice is included in any proceedings, and to provide a clear safety plan before Tarver returns to in-person schooling.
Ending: The board’s public record from the meeting shows no formal disciplinary vote or final board decision on the matter; board members asked district staff to follow up with the family and the school.
