Turlock City News

Turlock City News

Closed-Session Meeting of Turlock School Board Called Following Stabbing

David Fransen/TurlockCityNews.com|

The Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees will hold a special, closed-session meeting at 7 a.m. Tuesday in Room 210 of the District Office, 1574 E. Canal Dr.

The board typically meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Professional Development Center on Crane Ave.

Just one item is listed on the meeting agenda: “potential litigation (one case).” TUSD officials said they would not be able to comment on item, as it is a closed-session discussion.

While unconfirmed by TUSD, it is likely the board meeting is in regards to the stabbing incident that occurred Feb. 27 at Corwell Elementary School, when a 6-year-old boy allegedly stabbed a classmate in the neck with a pencil. The victim’s father, Ruben Aguilar, confirmed to TurlockCityNews.com on Saturday that he will pursue legal action against the district.

Aguilar says he made numerous complaints about his son being bullied by the boy who allegedly stabbed him. The father also says the school failed to call an ambulance.

The meeting is listed as “closed session,” meaning the public may not participate in any form. The board is not required to report what items are discussed in closed session, unless some action is taken.

However, there is an opportunity for public comment prior to board members entering closed session.

TUSD Superintendent Sonny Da Marto continues to refuse comment to TurlockCityNews.com. He has yet to return a single phone call or message.

TUSD Trustee Jennifer Leber Carter says she is unaware of the purpose of the board meeting. A call to fellow board member Frank Lima went unreturned.

Since TurlockCityNews.com broke the story of the stabbing on Thursday there has been a firestorm of continued, unanswered questions.

“Trust me…I want answers as much as anyone!” said Carter, “We will get to the bottom of it.”

Meanwhile, parents have grown frustrated with the lack of response by Crowell Elementary School administration.

One parent, Esther Tobar, is taking a stand.

“I'm not sending my daughter to school tomorrow since she's in the same class that (the alleged bully) still remains in,” Tobar wrote on Facebook. “I'm not going to chance it. I'm very irritated with school. He's bullied and hit my daughter before. He needs help and Crowell school is not the place for him to get it, and that's all I can say.

“They can't insure or guarantee my daughters safety, so then I proceeded to ask to switch my child out of the classroom and was denied that since the classrooms are all full,” she continued. “They are failing yet again to keep our children safe. I'm so mad! Why should I have to switch my daughter to a different school?”

At least one other Crowell Elementary School parent, Jordan Amarant, has already submitted a transfer request for next school year. Amarant said he hopes to move his second-grader from the school due to his lack of faith in administrators.

“I spoke with the vice principal last week immediately after reading your first article and they had already prepared their cookie cutter rehearsed answers,” Amarant said in an e-mail. “Stating that she can assure me my child is safe while at school, to that I said (expletive). Something needs to be done and these administrators need to be held accountable.” 

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