Parents Question School Policies After Tragic Incident
Simpsonville, S.C. – Parents in the Upstate are voicing concerns regarding the school system’s policies for protecting children with special needs, following a tragic event involving an 8-year-old boy. Lionel Cervantes, who had autism, ran away from Bells Crossing Elementary School on September 12 and was later found in a nearby pond.
Mother’s Heartfelt Plea for Change
Lionel’s mother, Dalia Cervantes, is devastated and is calling for action to ensure that no other child faces a similar fate. “I’m here to support you all in the future so that this does not happen again,” she said. “It’s not fair if they have special education children or they do or they don’t; we need to fix the school system and we need justice for Lionel.”
Widespread Parental Concern
Many parents in the community share Dalia’s anguish. James Bello and Lauren Tricarico, both parents to special needs children, expressed their worries. With their daughter about to start kindergarten, they highlighted the serious need for change. “Things need to change and I am going to say it over and over again. Greenville County has to step up now more than ever,” Bello stated. “We shouldn’t have to worry about our daughter’s safety at school.”
School District Responds
In light of the incident, officials from the Greenville County Schools emphasized their commitment to the safety of students with disabilities. “Ensuring the safety of our 78,000 students is the top priority every day,” a spokesperson said. The district is currently reviewing their safety procedures and has offered to meet with concerned parents to discuss individual plans for their children.
Options for Monitoring Students
Parents are also exploring the use of devices like Air-Tags or Apple watches to track their children’s whereabouts during school hours. State officials indicated that there is an exception in the new state policy that accommodates students with special needs and medical conditions, potentially allowing parents more ways to keep their children safe.
As this situation continues to unfold, the community is left grappling with the questions of safety and accountability within their school systems, hoping that necessary changes will be made to protect all students, especially those with special needs.
