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Parent tells school board his daughter was threatened with scissors; board promises follow-up
Summary
At the March 2 Berkeley County Board of Education meeting, parent Anthony Caporell described a fourth-grade student bringing scissors to campus and threatening his daughter; the board asked staff to collect his contact information and follow up on safety and communication concerns.
A Berkeley County parent told school trustees on March 2 that his daughter was threatened by another student who brought a pair of large kitchen scissors to campus, and he urged the district to improve safety enforcement and communication.
"By the grace of God, no child was hurt this time, but we may not be that fortunate if this child is allowed to return to school," said Anthony Caporell, who identified himself as the parent of two students at Carolyn Lewis Elementary. Caporell described a February incident in which a classmate allegedly showed the scissors to peers, repeatedly stated an intent to stab his daughter and later returned to class the next day, and said he spent nearly four hours trying to reach school administrators before being told the child would return.
Caporell said an assistant principal called his wife at about 1 p.m. to say his daughter was safe and that the other child had been removed; he later contacted the Goose Creek Police Department for assistance and asked the board to ensure safety policies are enforced and communication is transparent.
Board Chair Wofford thanked Caporell for his comments and asked board members to follow up. "Mister McDowell, do you mind following up with mister Caporello and getting his information, or miss Washington getting his information before he goes," Wofford said, directing staff to collect contact information and pursue follow-up.
The board chair also read the district's public-comment rules before the remark, noting that speakers may not refer to staff by name or discuss other students in public session. Wofford said staff would take Caporell's information and follow up.
The board did not announce any immediate policy changes during the meeting; Mr. Caporell's account and the board's follow-up request were recorded during the public-comment period. The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for March 16 in the boardroom.
