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The fallout continues at a Boston charter school after
allegations that a 6-year-old sexually abused other children on
a school bus.

As necn Investigates has learned, Boston Renaissance Charter
School in Hyde Park did not contact officials from the
Department of Education. According to state officials, they are
legally obligated to contact the state after a "significant
incident" within two business days.

"They are not facing penalties at this time, although we expect
to send them a formal letter about the reporting requirement in
addition to the conversations and correspondence we have had
with them over the last 24 hours," said Jackie Reis, a
spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education.

Boston Public Schools has placed the bus driver on paid
administrative leave as a precaution. BPS provides
transportation for the charter school.

Earlier Tuesday, the charter school did send out a notice to
parents outlining why they did not immediately notify parents on
Nov. 3.

"We consulted with the Child Advocacy Center and followed
applicable state and federal legal guidelines in determining how
to communicate with the families involved and the broader school
community," the letter read. "We have been cooperating fully
with these agencies from the beginning ... This is a highly
sensitive matter. We ask our school community to respect the
privacy of our students and families, and allow the school to
handle this appropriately."

Meanwhile, community advocates are urging Boston Public School
officials to put monitors on all school buses.

Boston Police said they can't say much about the investigation
because of the children's ages, including when the alleged
incidents happened or how many children may have been assaulted.
The mother of one of the children who was allegedly assaulted
said the incidents began at the beginning of the school year,
and alleged at least four students were assaulted.

"We have to look at this issue. Our children are not safe on any
school bus that does not have a monitor," community activist
Mary Franklin said at a press conference Tuesday. "Our mayor has
to step up and he has to see these children as valuable human
beings and protect them and keep them safe."

Police were first notified of the incidents on Nov. 3 by Boston
Renaissance Charter School in Hyde Park. They referred the
matter to the Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County
because of the ages of the students involved. The state
Department of Education was also not notified within the
required two-day window.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said it is aware
of the allegations and is coordinating with Boston Police, the
school and the Children's Advocacy Center. Juvenile court only
has jurisdiction over children age 7 or older, so no charges can
be brought against someone under that age.

Advocates now want parents and citizens, along with Mayor Marty
Walsh and Superintendent of Schools Tommy Chang to meet for a
town hall on Dec. 29 to discuss school bus monitors.

"Every school bus carrying the most precious cargo, which is our
children, our grandchildren, family members, and friends, have
the right to ride to and from school safely and to be
respected," Franklin said. "Let me be clear here - monitors are
needed, regardless of a school being a public charter or
district."

Parents said the school only notified them of the incidents on
Monday - more than two weeks after police were called - after
some of the details were shared by a parent on Facebook over the
weekend.

The mother of one alleged victim said her son was molested a
number of times.

"He said it happened more than 10 times," said the mother, who
did not want to be named. "As a mom, I lost it. My son was being
touched on the bus by another child that's 6 years old. The kid
wanted my son to play with his genitals and he wanted my son to
play with his genitals also. He mentioned a lot of grabbing of
the buttocks."

The mother said the boy, who is now under investigation, also
made threats.

"He made mention that there were guns at his house and if he was
going to say anything that he was going to kill me," she said.
According to the mother of the alleged victim, she was told by
school officials that another student saw what happened and told
an administrator.

Boston Renaissance Charter School issued a statement Monday
saying that it is taking the matter "very seriously" and has
taken steps to ensure student safety and to protect the privacy
of the students involved.

"We are aware of the Facebook post that has been circulating
regarding an alleged incident on a school bus earlier this
month," the school said. "We can assure all Boston Renaissance
families that the school leadership team took immediate action
and followed appropriate legal protocols, contacting law
enforcement immediately upon learning of the issue.

"This is a highly sensitive matter," the school added. "We ask
our school community to respect the privacy of our students and
families, and allow the school to handle this appropriately."

Franklin, the grandmother of a 6-year-old student in Boston
schools, said it's time for the "lies and excuses" to end.

"There are too many horrific stories of abuse, neglect and
dangerous behaviors that are taking place on many school buses,"
she said. "These occurrences are added trauma to the
overwhelming issues our children are confronted with in their
communities.

"As parents and concerned citizens, we can no longer allow our
children to be mistreated, abused and viewed as if they don't
matter to the City of Boston. We want to ensure that our
children are safe going and coming to school."

Renaissance Charter School is not part of the Boston Public
School District. Boston Public Schools provides bus service to
all public and charter schools in the city of Boston.

The school will be holding a meeting with parents Monday night
at 6 p.m. to address concerns.

They told necn it is not open to the public. Only parents will
be allowed to attend.

Published at 9:43 AM PST on Nov 22, 2016 | Updated at 5:01 AM
PST on Nov 23, 2016

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national- international/Advocates-Want-Bus-Monitors-After-Reports-of-Abuse- at-Hands-of-6-Year-Old-402439955.html?_osource=taboola-recirc
   

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