Assemblyman Santabarbara Calls for Swift Investigation into Incident at Destine Preparatory Charter School Involving Autistic Child

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the NYS Assembly Sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, urgently calls for a thorough investigation into the reported incident involving a 7-year-old autistic child at Destine Preparatory Charter School.

Brandi Guicciardini, a Schenectady mother, raised concerns after her 7-year-old son with autism, Joseph, was dropped off unattended at a bus stop an hour earlier than scheduled. Joseph, a first-grade student at Destine Preparatory Charter School, was scheduled to attend an after-school African drumming and dancing class and then return home on the bus. He was dropped off a block away from his home in Mont Pleasant at 4 p.m. that evening.

Expressing his deep concern, Assemblyman Santabarbara emphasizes, "My primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of all students, especially those with special needs. It's crucial that educational institutions prioritize student safety and proper communication with parents. I am calling for a swift and thorough investigation into this concerning incident."

Assemblyman Santabarbara stresses the immediate need for a comprehensive investigation to ensure the safety of all students, highlighting the importance of proper communication and safety protocols within educational institutions.