Simpsonville Parents Question School Safety After Tragedy
SIMSPONVILLE, S.C. – A tragic incident involving an 8-year-old boy has led to serious concerns among parents about the safety policies in place for special needs children within the local school system. The boy, Lionel Cervantes, who had autism, was reported missing from Bells Crossing Elementary School last week and was later found in a nearby pond.
Lionel’s mother, Dalia Cervantes, has been vocal in her grief and frustration since the incident. She is determined to seek justice for her son and advocate for changes in the school’s safety protocols. “I’m here to support you all in the future so that this does not happen again,” she stated, emphasizing the need for a system that adequately protects children with special needs. “It’s not fair if they have special education children or they don’t. We need to fix the school system and we need justice for Lionel.”
Several parents, including James Bello and Lauren Tricarico, also shared their fears regarding the school system’s ability to keep their children safe. Their daughter, who is also autistic, will begin kindergarten next year. The recent events made them worry about sending their child to school. “Greenville County has to step up now more than ever and show these parents that they can be trusted to educate their kids and keep them safe,” Bello remarked.
In response to the outcry, Greenville County Schools stated that keeping all 78,000 students safe is their top priority. They are committed to supporting children with disabilities and are currently reviewing safety procedures. The district has assured parents that they are available to discuss individual plans to help children succeed in school.
Additionally, questions have been raised about utilizing technology such as Air-Tags and smartwatches to monitor special needs children. The South Carolina Department of Education has acknowledged that there is an exception in the new state policy for students with special needs and medical conditions, understanding the importance of monitoring their well-being throughout the school day.
This incident has sparked a larger conversation about the safety and care provided to children with special needs in the Upstate school system, highlighting both the hopes and concerns of parents for their children’s educational experience.
