Teacher shot at Newport News elementary school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

It’s not a point that absolves their client of any responsibility though. She was highest ranking official at the school that day and was directly informed of people’s concerns on multiple occasions. So the idea that a reading specialist subordinate to her somehow bears the responsibility instead of her is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

It’s not a point that absolves their client of any responsibility though. She was highest ranking official at the school that day and was directly informed of people’s concerns on multiple occasions. So the idea that a reading specialist subordinate to her somehow bears the responsibility instead of her is ridiculous.

Maybe but the claim against her is gross negligence which is reckless disregard. If others had the knowledge and opportunity to act yet chose not to, maybe a jury will think the failure of the administrator to act does not reach the level of gross negligence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

It’s not a point that absolves their client of any responsibility though. She was highest ranking official at the school that day and was directly informed of people’s concerns on multiple occasions. So the idea that a reading specialist subordinate to her somehow bears the responsibility instead of her is ridiculous.

Maybe but the claim against her is gross negligence which is reckless disregard. If others had the knowledge and opportunity to act yet chose not to, maybe a jury will think the failure of the administrator to act does not reach the level of gross negligence.

Others subordinate to her having an opportunity to do something, even setting aside her denying the request of one of her subordinates to search the kid, does not change what her responsibility as the AP of the school was. The buck stops with her on this. This lawsuit is the least of her concerns though given she’s facing years in prison at her criminal trial next month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a civil case, not a criminal one. I was guessing that the AP is covered by the school’s insurance policy, which may not have limits high enough for this.

Doubtful. The gross negligence and willful disregard for safety. It’s very difficult to find coverage for that. It’s the only claim that can be made against her - simple negligence, which you can’t insure for, isn’t an option because of VA’s sovereign immunity laws.

Just found this reference in an article:

“On paper, any civil verdict against Parker would be paid by the Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA), an insurance pool made up of many public bodies statewide, including the Newport News School Board.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/abigail-zwerner-testifies-thought-was-dead-dying-shot-6-year-old-stude-rcna240751

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

I find it concerning that grown professionals have been so hamstringed by policy and fear of retribution that this turned into a seemingly all day event. This school screams toxic work environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

It’s not a point that absolves their client of any responsibility though. She was highest ranking official at the school that day and was directly informed of people’s concerns on multiple occasions. So the idea that a reading specialist subordinate to her somehow bears the responsibility instead of her is ridiculous.

Maybe but the claim against her is gross negligence which is reckless disregard. If others had the knowledge and opportunity to act yet chose not to, maybe a jury will think the failure of the administrator to act does not reach the level of gross negligence.

Others subordinate to her having an opportunity to do something, even setting aside her denying the request of one of her subordinates to search the kid, does not change what her responsibility as the AP of the school was. The buck stops with her on this. This lawsuit is the least of her concerns though given she’s facing years in prison at her criminal trial next month.

Wow I didn’t realize she was criminally charged too. Good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

I find it concerning that grown professionals have been so hamstringed by policy and fear of retribution that this turned into a seemingly all day event. This school screams toxic work environment.

Have you ever worked in a school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

I find it concerning that grown professionals have been so hamstringed by policy and fear of retribution that this turned into a seemingly all day event. This school screams toxic work environment.

Extremely toxic. In any kind of situation, a six year old with a gun in their backpack gets the gun removed. Immediately. But the fact that other adults were hesitant to do anything because they feared losing their jobs because of this tyrannical vice principal is appalling. This vice president needs to go prison for a long time - as should the mother and father of this kid. Race issues should not be relevent at all when it comes to six year olds with guns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

I find it concerning that grown professionals have been so hamstringed by policy and fear of retribution that this turned into a seemingly all day event. This school screams toxic work environment.

Extremely toxic. In any kind of situation, a six year old with a gun in their backpack gets the gun removed. Immediately. But the fact that other adults were hesitant to do anything because they feared losing their jobs because of this tyrannical vice principal is appalling. This vice president needs to go prison for a long time - as should the mother and father of this kid. Race issues should not be relevent at all when it comes to six year olds with guns.

Spell check. Vice principal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

I find it concerning that grown professionals have been so hamstringed by policy and fear of retribution that this turned into a seemingly all day event. This school screams toxic work environment.

Extremely toxic. In any kind of situation, a six year old with a gun in their backpack gets the gun removed. Immediately. But the fact that other adults were hesitant to do anything because they feared losing their jobs because of this tyrannical vice principal is appalling. This vice president needs to go prison for a long time - as should the mother and father of this kid. Race issues should not be relevent at all when it comes to six year olds with guns.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

I find it concerning that grown professionals have been so hamstringed by policy and fear of retribution that this turned into a seemingly all day event. This school screams toxic work environment.

Have you ever worked in a school?

+1 And the race of all concerned also becomes an issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

I find it concerning that grown professionals have been so hamstringed by policy and fear of retribution that this turned into a seemingly all day event. This school screams toxic work environment.

Extremely toxic. In any kind of situation, a six year old with a gun in their backpack gets the gun removed. Immediately. But the fact that other adults were hesitant to do anything because they feared losing their jobs because of this tyrannical vice principal is appalling. This vice president needs to go prison for a long time - as should the mother and father of this kid. Race issues should not be relevent at all when it comes to six year olds with guns.

This.

Honest question: I understand that they were afraid to go against what she said. But if they thought the kid had a gun, why not quietly check his bag. If he does, can the VP really get mad? It seems like the PR risk alone would prevent retaliation. And if he doesn’t, you just don’t tell the VP you looked.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone ever explained how the mother was the 1 on 1 aid for this kid? Or how the kids file disappeared from the principal’s car?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone ever explained how the mother was the 1 on 1 aid for this kid? Or how the kids file disappeared from the principal’s car?

Terrible school system with lying leaders covering for their egregious decisions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The defense is trying to pin the responsibility on “Mrs. Kovak”. She’s a reading specialist who held down “JT” after he shot the teacher.

How in the world is the reading specialist at fault?

Basically, they’re saying that because she did not search his backpack when she had the opportunity to do so. They asked if she was intimidated by a six-year-old, so mocking her abilities. They also questioned her in her lack of urgency at the playground when they suspected he took “something” out of his bag.

They don’t have much of a defense so I guess they have to reach for something, but the idea that the reading specialist is responsible instead of the school administrator who was warned no less than 4 times that this kid might be armed is laughable.

My feelings are that not only is the school administrator responsible but this shooting could’ve been prevented at other points, so the defense has a point. Had somebody searched his backpack as soon as kids started telling them that the boy had a gun.

However, they were very concerned about protecting the shooters dignity and they did not search his person because the administrator told them to hold until the mom came later in the day.

They were all very concerned with the chain of command and their abilities to take action without permission.

I find it concerning that grown professionals have been so hamstringed by policy and fear of retribution that this turned into a seemingly all day event. This school screams toxic work environment.

Extremely toxic. In any kind of situation, a six year old with a gun in their backpack gets the gun removed. Immediately. But the fact that other adults were hesitant to do anything because they feared losing their jobs because of this tyrannical vice principal is appalling. This vice president needs to go prison for a long time - as should the mother and father of this kid. Race issues should not be relevent at all when it comes to six year olds with guns.

This.

Honest question: I understand that they were afraid to go against what she said. But if they thought the kid had a gun, why not quietly check his bag. If he does, can the VP really get mad? It seems like the PR risk alone would prevent retaliation. And if he doesn’t, you just don’t tell the VP you looked.

One of the teachers DID check the boys bag, I believe when he went out to recess, against the specific directions of the principal to NOT check his bag. At that point however, he had removed the gun from the bag and placed it into his pocket. He was out at recess with a loaded gun.