A Fresno parent has sued Central Unified School District and accused a school bus driver of negligence, alleging her child was assaulted by other students while in the district’s care.
The lawsuit accuses an unnamed bus driver in the west Fresno school district of failing to properly supervise the student, described in the lawsuit as “autistic and nonverbal.”
The complaint, filed Oct. 9 in Fresno County Superior Court, alleges the parent received a call from a Harvest Elementary School administrator on Oct. 14, 2024, a Monday, informing her that an incident involving her daughter had occurred the prior Friday.
According to the complaint, the mother was told two students took off her daughter’s helmet before hitting and “molesting” her. Additionally, the lawsuit says administrators became aware of the situation after another student reported the incident after overhearing two classmates talking about it.
Administration called this sexual assault and said law enforcement was involved, according to the complaint.
Along with charging the district with failing to properly supervise the plaintiff, the lawsuit separately accuses school staff of causing a buckle fracture on the student’s arm in Sept. 2024.
The parent is requesting a jury trial and damages exceeding $25,000, citing physical trauma and emotional distress.
Jamie Wright, the plaintiff’s attorney, did not respond to questions from The Bee, including whether the student was entitled to a bus monitor in their Individual Education Plan, what action was taken after the alleged arm injury or if anything came about through law enforcement’s supposed involvement.
A spokesperson for Central Unified said the district doesn’t comment on pending litigation.
A case management conference is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2026.