The superintendent of a school in the US state of Virginia lost his job earlier this month after a six-year-old student shot and injured a teacher.
The school board decided to fire George Parker by a vote of 5 to 1 after the teacher’s attorney announced plans to sue the district.
Abigail Ziverner, 25, was released from the hospital last week after being shot in the chest in her classroom.
His attorney said Wednesday that the shooting was “totally preventable.”
Police have not announced any charges.
The Jan. 6 shooting — which authorities have called “intentional” — rocked Newport News, Virginia, and raised questions about what the legal consequences might be and for whom.
“On that day, over the course of a few hours, three different times – three times – the school administration was alerted by concerned teachers and staff that the boy had a gun pointed at him in the school and was threatening people,” said attorney Diane Toscano.
“But management couldn’t be bothered.”
According to Miss Toscano, a teacher at Richnick Elementary School told an officer she believed the young boy had put the gun in his pocket before going outside for recess.
The official reportedly replied: “Well, his pockets are too small.”
Miss Toscano said another administrator ignored a teacher’s request to search the boy and his backpack.
Later Wednesday, the school board called for the district superintendent to fire Mr. Parker. The assistant principal of Racchank Elementary School also resigned from the post on Wednesday.
Newport News Mayor Philip Jones thanked the outgoing superintendent, saying he “supports the board’s effort to hire a dynamic, new leader for our public school system – one that will keep our schools safe.” will help us recover and move forward with the changes necessary to make. All.”
According to JEE News, the superintendent’s salary was more than $250,000 (£200,000) per year. He will continue to receive full pay and benefits until June 2024 as he was fired without cause.
Ms Tosano’s claims are backed up by conversations between teachers at the school and text messages obtained by The Washington Post. According to the messages, Ms. Zwerner had expressed concern about the six-year-old and requested help.
Last week, the young boy’s family said he suffers from a “severe disability” and rarely attends school without one of his parents present. On the day of the shooting, he went to school alone.
The family also praised Ms Ziverner, saying she “worked diligently and compassionately to support our family as we sought the best education and learning environment for our son”.
Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said Mrs. Zorner saved her students’ lives the day of the shooting by pulling them out of class after they were shot in the hand and chest.
Police also said that the gun used by the boy was legally purchased by his mother. The boy’s family said the weapon had been “secured”. The police have not responded to the claim.
Virginia law prohibits anyone from recklessly discharging a loaded, unsecured firearm in a manner that could endanger a child under the age of 14.
