LANSDALE, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The student accused of attacking another student in the Pennbrook Middle School cafeteria had been withheld from the lunchroom that day, but a school official later let them go, concerned parents said.
A group of North Penn School District parents is continuing calls for the superintendent’s resignation after students’ warnings about the violent lunchroom assault were disregarded.
On April 17 at Pennbrook Middle, officials said a 13-year-old student used a metal Stanley cup to repeatedly bash a 12-year-old in the back of the head. The 12-year-old was taken to the hospital and treated for her injuries. Parents said administrators did not take action, despite being warned by several students before the fight.
About 30 parents and students rallied outside the North Penn School District Educational Services Center in Lansdale on Tuesday, calling for top district administrators to step down.
On Friday, some parents said they met with Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer earlier in the week and learned more about the assault. He told them that due to the rumors of a fight, the student was held back from lunch that day so faculty members could keep an eye on them. However, the student was then permitted to go to the lunchroom, where the attack ensued.
“[Bauer] did tell me that the child was in the office and that the child asked for lunch and the principal said yes,” said Nicole Brown, a mother of a Pennbrook Middle School student.
The school district said the student who was hurt is recovering at home and her family is asking for privacy. Bauer’s office told KYW Newsradio that the superintendent is not available for comment.
On Friday, the school district announced it will hold a forum with a panel of district employees and safety experts to address safety concerns. It will take place at 6 p.m. on May 14 at North Penn High School. It will also be livestreamed.