Massena school aide resigns after reporting alleged student assault
A former Massena Central School District aide resigned after reporting that a special-needs student was allegedly assaulted, while the district said it reviewed abuse-reporting procedures and provided staff training.
By the ClickNNY North Country Desk
A former aide at Massena Central School District’s Nightingale School resigned after reporting that a special-needs student was allegedly assaulted by another aide, according to initial reports.
New York State Police said the alleged incident involved a six-year-old student on Feb. 3. Police charged Darlene Bourdeau with second-degree assault and first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person on March 27. Bourdeau was later charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Amy R. Wells was also charged with criminal possession of a firearm after police said she claimed ownership of a handgun surrendered during the investigation.
Massena Central Superintendent Ron Burke said the district reviewed its procedures for reporting allegations of abuse in educational settings and provided staff training on de-escalation strategies and procedures. The former aide alleged retaliation after reporting the incident; that allegation was not specifically addressed in Burke’s response.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.
ClickNNY Guide · Thousand Islands
Fishing the St. Lawrence River after summer: a fall and ice fishing guide to the Thousand Islands
When the tour boats leave, the St. Lawrence becomes a different river. Here's what's biting in the fall, how ice fishing works, exactly what to bring, how to stay safe, and where to stay, whether you're visiting for the first time or have lived here all your life.
ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
Your first North Country winter: a survival guide for Fort Drum soldiers from the South
Never driven on snow, owned a snow blower or felt a February morning at Fort Drum? Here's what to wear, what to keep in your car and how to get through your first lake-effect winter.
ClickNNY Guide · Winter
Are we ready for another North Country winter?
From heating bills and snow tires to lake-effect storms and the first big snowfall, Northern New York is getting ready for another winter. But how prepared are we really?