View full sizePolice evacuated a school bus after a boy on the bus reportedly attacked and injured the driver.An autistic boy's bloody assault of a school bus driver Thursday presents education officials with the challenge of protecting the rights of the disabled student while ensuring the safety of those around him.
The student, who was not identified, attacked 68-year-old Alice M. Scoggin of Southeast Portland as she was driving two special needs students to Rock Creek Middle School in Happy Valley, according to the
. Scoggin, who suffered bites, scratches and bruises, was transported by ambulance to Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, where she was reported in good condition.
A second boy on the bus was safely removed in his wheelchair with no injuries.
"Ms. Scoggin was bleeding badly," said Sgt. Adam Phillips, a sheriff's spokesman. "It appeared that she was bitten on her hands, her arms and maybe her face, too."
The boy, age 10 to 12, was taken into protective custody at a secure facility, where he will undergo psychological examinations, Phillips said.
Joe Krumm,
spokesman, said the district has "no history with this child on buses." He declined to comment on what consequences the boy would face but noted there are federal guidelines about disciplining students with special needs.
"The nature of the disability is considered as we consider discipline," he said.
The boy could also face legal consequences.
When sheriff's deputies have completed their investigation, the case will be referred to the Clackamas County Juvenile Department for review, Phillips said.
Generally, North Clackamas school district guidelines call for students who commit a first instance of assault to face consequences ranging from parental involvement to suspension or expulsion.
But federal guidelines under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act also call for mitigation of consequences if the incident stems from a disability.
"We don't want to be punishing people for something that's due to their disability," said Rob Holloway, associate director of special education at the district.
In the case of disability-related behavior, the student's special education plan could be revised, such as adding more staff support for the student, moving the student within or out of the district, or creating a support plan that helps the student recognize problematic behaviors.
Holloway said the district also considers maintaining a safe environment for all involved "paramount" to the process. If the district doesn't have the expertise or resources to provide that, "we have to look at resources outside of the district," Holloway said.
Thursday's incident began at 9:15 a.m., when a passing motorist, Jeff Blaser, 38, of Damascus, saw Scoggin's bloody arms waving from a North Clackamas School District bus parked at the side of
.
When Blaser stopped, he saw the student biting Scoggin. He rushed to assist the driver, and the boy also tried to bite him, Blaser told police.
Arriving deputies separated Scoggin and the student, then evacuated the bus, which was parked near the Taralon Village subdivision. Phillips said the student also tried to bite the deputy when he took him into custody.
Nicole Dungca of The Oregonian staff contributed to this report
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