Parents call for rapid action after repeated violent incidents in South River fourth-grade classroom

Multiple parents described repeated and escalating behavioral incidents in a South River Elementary fourth-grade classroom, telling the L'Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education on Oct. 27 that children and staff are not safe.

"These kids deserve that safe and supportive learning environment that you talk about," parent John Pavlik told the board, describing "severe class disruptions," "threatening behavior" and "physical contact" affecting his son and other students. Pavlik said parents have spoken with administrators but are seeking additional action.

April Malik said a student "proceeded to throw things, break things, including a lamp and a fan," and described a recent incident in which a student blocked the classroom door so other children were trapped. "My child didn't even tell me about the incident," she said. "She's 9, and she's terrified of a kid and knows that if she just hides, that eventually somebody will come in." Malik and other parents said classmates have been punched, kicked and had liquids poured on them during recess.

Pam Saip told the board parents are frustrated and want more information about district steps. Several speakers said they believe privacy protections limit what the school has disclosed, and that constrained notifications have left parents uncertain how to support their children.

Superintendent Keith Howell acknowledged the parents' concerns in his district update. He told the board he has "had well over a dozen conversations" on the matter and said, "Action is being taken and will continue to be taken. We are going to leave this into the superintendent's hands." Howell also noted that the district follows established procedures and that conversations with staff are ongoing.

Board members responded on the record. Several members urged parents to start with the classroom teacher and principal when seeking curriculum or classroom-context information, and to escalate concerns to the superintendent if they remain unresolved. Missus Herndon told parents she has been in frequent contact with Howell and said, "he is on it." Board members emphasized the district's obligation to protect student privacy while also addressing safety.

The public record at the meeting indicates the parents reported two prior suspensions for the individual student; the board did not take a separate public vote on discipline during the meeting. The board did approve a separate expulsion motion during the evening for student number 0425 (see "Votes at a glance" in the related audit-and-votes article), but the transcript does not identify that expulsion as related to the South River incidents.

The superintendent said he will continue facilitating conversations with building staff and parents and provide follow-up; board members asked for timely updates. The district did not announce any specific personnel or placement changes during the meeting.

Parents in attendance asked for clearer and more timely communication when classroom incidents affect other students and for a follow-up report about the measures the district plans to use to protect students and staff going forward.