The Windsor Unified School District is facing a lawsuit stemming from an alleged student abuse incident involving a special education teacher. The mother of an 11-year-old boy with autism is suing the district, claiming negligence and abuse. This follows an incident where the teacher, Rachel Cardoza, allegedly stepped on the boy’s head and neck during a gym class last year.
The lawsuit alleges the district failed to report prior incidents of abuse and did not provide a safe environment for the boy. The boy’s mother learned of these prior alleged abuses after the district hired a private investigator. Cardoza, who resigned in June, denies the allegations and faces criminal charges.
The lawsuit details the boy’s struggles and a regression in his behavior after being placed in Cardoza’s class. The district previously paid $120,000 towards the boy’s educational expenses. The lawsuit is now seeking additional damages. A hearing is set for June 26th, and Cardoza’s criminal trial is scheduled for April 11th.
