To the Prince Edward County School Board and Superintendent,

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, students, and community members, respectfully request a formal investigation into the handling of the assault of a student on a Prince Edward County school bus and the response by Assistant Superintendent of Transportation Mr. Good and other district personnel involved.

This petition is being submitted not only on behalf of one child, but on behalf of all students who deserve a safe environment while being transported to and from school.

Our concerns include:

• Reports of bullying made before the assault that did not result in adequate intervention.

• The failure to prevent an assault that appears to have been foreseeable and avoidable.

• Concerns regarding the actions and inactions of transportation personnel before, during, and after the incident.

• Statements made by Mr. Good describing the assault as a “random act of violence” despite evidence suggesting the incident was planned and targeted.

• The dismissive and unprofessional demeanor displayed toward the victim’s family during meetings regarding the incident.

• A lack of transparency regarding the investigation, disciplinary actions, and corrective measures being taken.

• Ongoing concerns that other students may be exposed to similar risks if meaningful changes are not implemented.

Therefore, we respectfully request that the School Board and Superintendent:

Conduct a formal and impartial investigation into the handling of this incident.
Investigate whether district policies regarding bullying prevention, student supervision, transportation safety, and incident reporting were properly followed.
Review the conduct, decision-making, and response of Mr. Good and any other personnel involved in this matter.
Determine whether disciplinary action is warranted against any employee found to have neglected their duties or failed to follow policy.
Provide a public summary of the investigation’s findings, while protecting student privacy.
Explain what disciplinary actions, if any, have been taken and what accountability measures are being implemented.
Explain what steps will be taken to ensure that future reports of bullying are handled appropriately and promptly.
Review transportation policies for buses carrying elementary, middle, and high school students together and determine whether additional supervision is necessary.
Evaluate the implementation of bus aides not only on a single route, but throughout the district where behavioral concerns and student safety risks exist.
Establish clear procedures for parents to report bullying and safety concerns and receive timely follow-up.
Provide transparency regarding policy changes, staff training, and safety improvements resulting from this incident.
Present to the School Board and community a plan to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

We further request answers to the following questions:

• What specific findings resulted from the district’s investigation?

• Were any district policies violated before, during, or after the assault?

• What disciplinary actions have been taken against any employee involved?

• If no disciplinary action was taken, what was the justification?

• What specific steps are being implemented to improve student safety on school buses?

• How will the district ensure reports of bullying are addressed before they escalate into violence?

• What measures are being put in place to protect other students from experiencing similar incidents?

We believe every student deserves to be safe on a school bus and every parent deserves confidence that reports of bullying, threats, and violence will be taken seriously. We ask the School Board and Superintendent to demonstrate accountability, transparency, and a commitment to protecting all students.

Jessica Miskimon-Sura