ST-HUBERT, Que. — Just one day after the school board said there was no truth to allegations of school bus bullying, authorities confirmed that Quebec provincial police arrested two teens in connection with the incident.
Last week, an eight-year-old boy and his family spoke out, after a South Shore mother was horrified to see her son come home from school last Wednesday, covered with red marks and clearly upset.
On Tuesday, the school board spoke with Global News to set the record straight.
“Yes, I saw the pictures,” said Sylvain Racette, Director General of the Riverside School Board.
“I feel bad for the little boy.”
After conducting a full investigation, the head of the school board said she believed the teenagers who were sitting with Zachary Provencher were actually trying to help restrain him during a temper tantrum.
The school board interviewed several students who were on the bus that day.
“If I had any doubt that that boy was bullied by the others we would act on it.”
Racette called the incident deeply disturbing for both Zachary and for the high school students involved.
“The other kids around tried to contain him so that he’s not hurting himself too much. Obviously, he cried a lot he had puffy eyes and yes he may have hurt himself by being agitated,” insisted Racette.
READ MORE: Second grade student claims he was beaten up on his school bus
But Zachary’s mother claims her son has never hurt anyone or himself during his many tantrums.
“No teenagers are going to claim that they did it. For sure not,” said Chantale Couture.
“It’s a horrible act to commit and I want them to take responsibility.”
St-Johns Elementary and High School in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu is providing temporary transportation for Zachary in a smaller adapted vehicle, while all sides are trying to find a safer way for Zachary to get to school.
If he has to get back on the regular school bus, the bus company, Autobus Racine, is hoping a surveillance camera will be installed to give a clear picture of what’s really happening.
“We are going to try to find another solution that’s going to be better for all the students implicated,” said Racette.
The Sureté du Québec has confirmed that it is investigating the incident, and the school board authorities are convinced police will come to the same conclusion as they have.
“We’re fully collaborating with police.”
“If they come to a different conclusion, then we’ll assess and act accordingly,” said Racette
“But right now, I don’t see how they can.”
Comments