Parent sues school over bullying claim

By Eric Bradshaw, staff writer
The Sunday Sun

March 12, 2007 12:08 pm

— A lawsuit filed by the parent of a student alleges Harrach Public Schools officials allowed three Harrah High School students to bully another student.
The lawsuit was filed March 1 by Sheila James and names as defendants Harrah High School Principal Dale Munyon, Superintendent Dean Hughes, the school district and the school board. The petition calls for more than $10,000 in damages.
According to the petition, three male students “hazed, assaulted and battered and sexually harrassed” James’ son. The three boys are alleged to have been linked to other violent acts from prior complaints. The petition also claims that after the alleged assault, the three continued to harrass the student.
“After the assault, Harrah School allowed these named students to continue to torment and harass Plaintiff,” the petition states.
The incident occurred in October 2005, according to the lawsuit. A claim was filed with the Harrah School Board Aug. 2, 2006.
Shawnee attorney Ben McCullar is representing Sheila James and her son. He did not wish to comment, according to his secretary. The school district and officials are being represented through their insurance company by Todd Goolsby.