Canfield parent says child injured when tree fell at Hilltop; board pledges to review communications

A Canfield parent told the Canfield Local Schools Board of Education on May 14 that her son suffered physical and emotional injuries after a tree fell onto students at Hilltop Elementary and said the district’s communication and response were insufficient.

Heather Margiotta, who said she lives at 51 Fairview Avenue, described arriving March 14 to find “a lobby full of injured crying children.” She said her son was taken to the emergency room with bruising, a sprained ankle and a broken top of his foot. “The doctor told us that we are extremely lucky,” she told the board.

Margiotta said her son later developed panic attacks after the incident, and she criticized the district’s handling of information and outreach. “There was no safety plan, no warning to the community, no response,” she said. She also said local reporters were told by the superintendent that he was not aware of parent concerns and that parents should call him; Margiotta said her remarks at the meeting served as that call.

The parent asked the board to demonstrate better leadership and communication ahead of future facility decisions and said, “Until proven otherwise, I will not vote for any reelection of any current school board members.” She offered to host board members at her home so they could hear how the incident continues to affect her family.

Board members responded by thanking staff who cared for students that day. The district president, identified in the meeting as Mister Atway, said, “I appreciate that feedback as always,” and said the district would continue to evaluate communication protocols to reduce the chance of a recurrence. Margiotta also praised teachers, the nurse and other staff: “Their compassion was extraordinary. They deserve the recognition, raises, and our full trust.”

The board did not take formal action on the incident during the May 14 meeting. The district previously noted to a parent speaker at the meeting that Principal Mike Flood had explained the tree appeared to be rotted at the base and that staff had cared for students on site; Margiotta relayed that account to the board during public comment.

The exchange is part of a broader public discussion the board has heard about facilities and community engagement as the district prepares for future facility votes and related planning.