Parents sue Girard School District

WARREN — The parents of a special-needs pupil have filed a lawsuit against the Girard School District, alleging that their child broke her ankle when startled by a teacher.

The complaint was filed Friday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court by Juanita and Vincent Tondy of East Liberty Street on behalf of their daughter, Angela Marie Tondy.

They are seeking $14,999 in medical expenses and more than $25,000 in damages. Schools Superintendent Joseph Jeswald could not be immediately reached to comment.

According to the complaint, Angela was climbing a sliding board ladder during middle school recess Oct. 18, 2005, when teacher Patrick Blascak “recklessly and without warning barked commands or comments to the children.”

The lawsuit says Angela fell off the ladder after becoming disoriented and distracted.

It also claims the district should have known that special-needs children have limitations both physically and developmentally, and there should have been a safety apparatus on the playground equipment.