Richneck Elementary School’s administration reportedly ignored teacher Abigail Zwerner’s concerns and reports about her student’s behavior weeks before he shot her.
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It was revealed in a staff group chat that Zwerner asked for help with the first grade student’s behavior weeks before he shot her in the chest. According to the Washington Post, the school administration allegedly ignored concerns about his behavior and stated that the school could not assist him with his needs. Sources who revealed this information requested anonymity because they are concerned about being fired as a result of speaking to the media.
There was one instance where the boy wrote a teacher a note stating that he hated her and wanted to light her on fire, then watch her die. The teacher brought the note to the school’s administration but was told to leave the situation alone. In another occasion, the boy threw furniture and other school supplies during class which caused his classmates to hide under desks. He also barricaded the doors to a classroom, in an attempt to prevent a teacher and other students from leaving.
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Teachers also told the outlet there was a lack of resources for special education students and a special education teacher complained about having a high case load. Some of the teacher’s aides missed work and the six-year-old boy did not recieve the services he needed. Additionally, he was seen walking around the school without a staff member and had random outbursts during lessons.
As previously reported, the boy’s family released a statement for the time about the shooting and said Zwerner worked diligently to make sure their son recieved the best educational care.
“Our heart goes out to our son’s teacher, and we pray for her healing in the aftermath of such an unimaginable tragedy as she selflessly served our son and the children in the school. She has worked diligently and compassionately to support our family as we sought the best education and learning environment for our son,”
Some parents in the school had concerns after reports of bullying and one parent said administrators are making it difficult to address her concerns as one principal failed to show up for a meeting about the bullying. Substitute teacher Celeste Holiday said Zwerner had 25 to 30 students and it was difficult for her to maintain classroom order but said she was a caring teacher.
“She was great. She was doing the best she could. She mentally prepared me. She told me, ‘They’re rambunctious 6-year-olds. It’s going to be a hard day. Do the best you can.’”
It is unclear if the boy will be charged for the shooting as Virginia law states children under the age of 7 are unable to develop the intent to carry out an illegal act. However, someone could be charged for the weapon used in the shooting.
As for Zwerner, she was released from the hospital earlier this week and was listed in stable condition.