The family of a special needs student in St. Lucie County intends to sue the St. Lucie Public Schools district following an alleged child abuse incident involving a school bus aide. The incident, which occurred on March 13, 2025, involved the aide forcefully shaking and yelling at a 9-year-old student from Northport K-8 School.
Alleged Abuse Incident on St. Lucie County School Bus
According to Port St. Lucie police, 43-year-old Aviesar Pinillos was arrested last week on charges of child abuse after video footage captured him aggressively shaking and screaming at the young student. Investigators reported that Pinillos became upset when the child did not sit down in her seat. The video footage of the incident has sparked a broader investigation into school transportation safety protocols.
The disturbing incident was recorded on video, providing clear evidence of the aide’s actions. The video has raised significant concerns among local residents and parents regarding student safety on school transportation.
Family’s Legal Action Against St. Lucie Public Schools
Steven Simon, the attorney representing the student’s family, confirmed that the district has been officially notified of the family’s intent to sue for negligence. Simon emphasized the family’s primary concern is the well-being of their child, but they also seek to protect other children in the community from similar incidents.
“Their concern is on their child, but also for the other children in the community, as is my concern,” said Simon. “I want to make sure this doesn’t happen again, and I think awareness is a huge part of this.”
School District’s Response and Investigation
Following the allegations and subsequent arrest, St. Lucie Public Schools reassigned Pinillos to temporary duties away from students, pending the results of an internal investigation. District officials stated that Pinillos had no prior disciplinary issues before this incident.
The school district has not yet publicly commented further on the pending lawsuit or the specifics of the internal investigation. However, this comes at a time when St. Lucie Public Schools are showing signs of academic improvement, making safety concerns even more critical to address.
Community Reaction in Port St. Lucie
Local residents have expressed shock and concern over the incident. Parents in Port St. Lucie are calling for increased oversight and stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences on school buses.
Community members have voiced their support for the affected family and emphasized the importance of accountability within the school system. As the district continues to grow, new campus developments in St. Lucie County are also being planned to accommodate increasing student populations, further highlighting the need for robust safety protocols.
Ensuring Safety for Special Needs Students
This incident highlights the critical need for effective training and supervision of school staff, especially those responsible for the care of special needs students. Advocates argue that additional protocols and regular training sessions are essential to ensure that staff members are adequately prepared to handle challenging situations safely and compassionately.
Local advocacy groups are urging St. Lucie Public Schools to review and strengthen their policies regarding student safety and staff conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Student Abuse Case
What happened to the special needs student in Port St. Lucie?
A bus aide at Northport K-8 School allegedly shook and yelled at a 9-year-old special needs student. The aide was arrested and charged with child abuse after the incident was captured on video.
Are there charges filed against the bus aide?
Yes, the bus aide, Aviesar Pinillos, has been arrested and charged with child abuse. He is currently reassigned away from student duties pending an internal investigation.
Can families sue the school district in cases like this?
Yes, families can sue school districts for negligence if they believe the district failed to protect their child adequately. In this case, the family intends to sue St. Lucie Public Schools for negligence.
Where are incidents involving school staff reported?
Incidents involving school staff are typically reported to local law enforcement and the school district. Investigations are conducted internally by the district and externally by police.
What measures can schools take to protect special needs students?
Schools can implement regular training for staff, strict supervision policies, and clear guidelines on handling challenging behaviors. Regular monitoring and immediate action on complaints are also crucial.
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