Parents demand accountability after filmed assault of sixth‑grader at Altoona Area SD meeting

At a public board meeting focused largely on student safety, parents and community members pressed the Altoona Area School District (AASD) to take concrete action after a sixth‑grade student was assaulted on school property and the attack was filmed and shared on social media.

"This wasn't an unavoidable incident. This was a preventable failure," said Casey Mabry, who identified herself as the parent of the sixth‑grade student attacked on March 23. Mabry told the board the assault lasted about 31 seconds and that no adult intervened. "We don't want reassurances, and we don't want more vague policies. We need actual measurable change."

Former student and nonprofit founder Tiffany Russo said bullying has been both longstanding and pervasive, urging the board to move beyond a "zero tolerance" posture that, she said, lacks accountability. "Policies mean nothing if they are not enforced," Russo said.

Community member Andre Holsey described multiple prior incidents the district has faced, including a student death the community tied to bullying, and called for improved intervention and communication from the district.

Not all public commenters spoke only for the victim. Angel Homan, identified by the chair as the mother of one of the students involved, offered a formal apology to the victim and the community and said her family is pursuing therapy and case management. Steven Geiss, another commenter, criticized the district's transparency and accountability practices and said: "If the school board wants to know the first step in addressing bullying, it's firing Mr. Campbell."

The board responded in public remarks acknowledging the community's outrage and describing steps already taken. A board member said district leadership acted quickly after the video surfaced, arranging for additional staff to stay on site at the junior high and high school and citing the district's use of campus cameras and armed guards in each school. The board invited parents to provide suggestions, offered to meet individually, and the chair pledged to follow up with those who signed in the meeting the next day.

District officials and several commenters also called for community measures such as "safe passage" programs (adult presence on students' walking routes) and expanded collaboration with local law enforcement and outside agencies to prevent escalation outside school grounds.

The meeting included other business—board members approved routine minutes, finance reports and several contracts and policies—but the public comment period centered on safety and accountability. The chair said district leadership will continue working with families on next steps and asked anyone who signed in to expect follow‑up contact.

What happens next: The board said it will continue its internal review and meet with parents who asked for follow‑up. No formal disciplinary actions or policy changes were adopted on the spot; those would require separate agenda items and votes.