Puyallup Schools Settle Abuse Case for $300K

Puyallup School District has agreed to a $300,000 settlement over allegations of abuse against an 8-year-old student with autism. Court records from Pierce County reveal the lawsuit, filed last year by the student's parents, detailed claims of a Pope Elementary teacher repeatedly locking the child outside, physically manhandling him, and yelling during the 2022-23 school year.

The suit also alleged the district improperly placed the student in a general education classroom despite his special needs and failed to act on repeated concerns raised by his mother. The student reportedly experienced behavioral regression at home, including bedwetting and lashing out, alongside physical symptoms like headaches and stomach pains.

While the district denied wrongdoing and sought dismissal, a settlement was reached this summer and approved last month. District officials stated the settlement is not an admission of fault but a decision by their insurer to avoid litigation costs. The student's family expressed a desire for accountability and improved training and oversight to prevent future incidents.