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Parent tells Bettendorf board campus assault reports were 'brushed under the rug' and asks for more resources
Summary
A Bettendorf parent told the board her daughter and four other students reported an assault in November 2023 and that she believes the district's response and supports were inadequate; parents asked for more resources and clearer communication.
During the public-comment portion of the Bettendorf Community School District board meeting on Oct. 23, a parent delivered a lengthy statement alleging the district did not adequately respond to reports of assault at Bettendorf High School.
"My daughter, who is now a senior, 2 years ago, was assaulted by a student at Bettendorf High School. She was 1 of 5," said Ally Grzeit, who identified her address for the record. She said the first report was made in November 2023 and that by January 2024 detectives told the family four other girls had been assaulted. Grzeit said one boy pleaded guilty and was no longer allowed back at Bettendorf, but that the parent of the guilty student remains employed at the high school and victims continue to see that person on campus.
Grzeit described ongoing medical and mental-health impacts for her daughter, including seizures after a court-order violation in September, and said the family's efforts to secure supports and resources were insufficient. "This happened, and it was brushed under the rug," she said, adding that victims did not receive adequate community resources or school-provided support groups.
The board thanked the speaker for coming. Administration did not offer a public response during comment; the matter was later referenced in an agenda item that included a motion to enter closed session to discuss strategy with counsel in litigation matters.
The board did not announce immediate remedial actions on the record at the meeting. The parent urged the district to expand supports at all levels—elementary through high school—and to make available clear resources for students and families who report assaults.
