Parents tell board of repeated threats and violent episodes in an Ada Vista classroom; district says it engaged counsel and supports

Several parents used public comment at the Forest Hills Board of Education meeting on Feb. 9 to urge immediate action after reporting repeated safety and behavioral incidents in a second-grade classroom at Ada Vista.

Karen Lewis, a parent, told trustees the episodes are "not abstract" and are "specific and documented," and she described incidents including children being "punched," scissors thrown at a 7‑year‑old and sustained verbal threats. In a detailed account she said her son was "flicked in the face," had his glasses knocked off, had items kicked from his hands and was repeatedly told by peers "he should die," and she added that one student was reportedly told he "should die with a knife in his heart." Lewis said the pattern has produced panic attacks and sleep loss for her son and that parents first raised concerns in October but were told to wait while the district reviewed communication and privacy constraints.

Michael DeWitt, another parent, said he and other families want better communication and asked the district to consider assigning a second adult to the classroom until conditions stabilize. Ethan Tatum, who also spoke, urged nuance and said his family has received strong support from Ada Vista staff while acknowledging behavioral challenges connected to disability and clinical needs.

Superintendent Kirby acknowledged receipt of emails, said administrators (Scott Hade, Allison Woodside and others) have met with parents and that the district has been cautious to protect privacy rights. In the transcript Kirby stated administrators believe "appropriate supports have been put in place" and that legal counsel has been engaged to ensure actions comply with privacy laws and federal requirements. Kirby emphasized working with parents directly as the most productive path and repeated the district's commitment "to the success of all of the students in the classroom."