In a troubling oversight at Joyner Magnet Elementary School, a Raleigh mother has demanded answers after her special needs son was left alone in the school. Jasmine Watkins experienced an unsettling moment when her 10-year-old son, Makari, called her from his empty classroom, expressing his confusion and fear. ABC11 reported that Watkins described her son's face as "confused" and "scared" during a missed FaceTime call he made after not being picked up by his usual transportation service—a specialized van that transports six students as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Makari, who has behavioral issues, typically relies on a staff member to escort him to the transport service. However, in an alarming error on Monday, he was somehow overlooked after taking a nap and was found missing when Watkins arrived home. Watkins, speaking to ABC11, expressed her frustration, saying, "They basically cater to him, like they know his every move, you know what I’m saying? So how did you miss him? Out of everybody in that classroom, how did you miss Makari?"
The Wake County Public School System responded with a statement, obtained by ABC11, addressing the incident.
The statement communicated that there was a miscommunication between staff and Makari's transportation service provider. Watkins told WRAL News that she believes the school should have been "extra careful" given her son's need for constant adult supervision.
Following the incident, the families at Joyner Magnet Elementary were informed via an email from the principal, making them aware of the oversight. The email stated, "A student was left unattended in a classroom after dismissal due to miscommunication between staff and the student's transportation service provider," and reassured that the student was unharmed, emphasizing that the school is reviewing its processes to prevent such occurrences in the future, as per WRAL News.
Despite this assurance, Watkins' concern voiced to The News & Observer reflects a parent's natural apprehension when the security and care entrusted to educational institutions seem to falter, especially for those children who most rely on it.
