KILGORE, Texas (KLTV) - Kilgore ISD’s special-called meeting Monday night included public comment, including some from people who are concerned for the safety of students after ambulances were called to the schools several times recently; twice to the middle school, and once to the high school, since August 20.
“For the first time, I feel nervous to send my child to middle school,” one parent said.
They had questions for the board, as well.
“What is the district’s policy for students who repeatedly commit violence, even in alt placement? How are students and staff protetcted when these behaviors continue?” another asked.
The parents made it clear tonight that they are hoping for change in safety measures after an attack happened in the middle school.
In an incident at the middle school on August 21, a 14-year-old boy, now identified by his parents as Lukas Hardeman, was injured by another student in the cafeteria after the two exchanged words. The injured child was allegedly body slammed by another student to the point that he required ICU care at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas.
We spoke with that boy’s parents outside the school board meeting on Monday; you can watch the full interview below:
“We have had a lot of people reach out to us, and it shows that there are good people,” Michael Hardeman, Lukas’ father, said. “We have had so many calls, messages and donations. We have been very blessed.”
Michael shared specifics about the incident that happened Thursday. He said that Lukas was attacked by another student in the cafeteria after he made a joke, His father said the other student slammed his son’s head against a metal pole attached to a stool. Lukas suffered from brain injuries that required two parts of his skull to be removed, and according to Michael, he has over 60 staples holding his head together now.
“He’s embarrassed. He is hurt. He is struggling,” Michael said. “But I hope when he sees things like this that he has a lot of family behind him. I hope that he can get to a point to where he is confident.”
Though they were not able to give specific details about what happened, the school board released the following statement on Facebook, prior to the meeting on Monday night.
Dear Kilgore ISD Families,
As President of your school board, I want to reassure you that the safety, well-being, and trust of students, staff, and community remain the District’s top priorities. I know that when an incident happens in our schools, families want timely and clear information.
At the same time, there are limits to what the District can share. Federal privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), require the District to protect the personal educational and health information of students and staff. This means that while the District cannot release certain details, it can — and will — communicate openly about what steps are being taken to keep our campuses supportive and safe to the extent that can be done without compromising campus security.
Going forward, you can expect the District to:
• Provide updates as quickly and clearly as possible.
• Share what actions the District is taking to protect students and staff.
• Be transparent about what the District can disclose, while honoring the privacy of those involved.
I am confident that I speak on behalf of the whole Board when I say that we appreciate your trust and understanding as the District balances transparency with the responsibility to protect individual privacy. Together, we will continue working to make Kilgore ISD a safe and thriving place for every student to learn and grow.
With gratitude,
Jason Smith, Kilgore ISD School Board President
Michael said that there is a long road to recovery for Lukas, and his family is taking it day by day. He said that the family’s faith is carrying through this ordeal.
“My son is only alive today because of Jesus, and he had his hands around his heart,” he said.