A federal lawsuit alleging abuse of an autistic boy by a bus aide employed by Ann Arbor Public Schools and its transportation provider is scheduled for trial in May 2026. The case, filed by Jaime Nelson-Molnar on behalf of her son, accuses the district, Carpenter Elementary School Principal Michael Johnson, and Durham Transportation of negligence, discrimination, and creating a state-enabled danger.
The lawsuit stems from an incident in December 2021, where the child was allegedly verbally and physically abused by bus aide Rochanda Jefferson. The claims assert that Jefferson targeted the boy due to his disability, attempting to “discipline” his behavior. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the abuse, but the district delayed reviewing the footage for five weeks, forcing the child to continue riding the bus with his alleged abuser.
Background of the Case
According to court documents, a teacher alerted Principal Johnson to issues involving Jefferson’s behavior before the alleged assault. Despite this warning, Johnson advised Nelson-Molnar to keep her son on the bus. The abuse reportedly occurred the following day. The lawsuit accuses the district of failing to act on the teacher’s concerns and claims that the delayed review of surveillance footage violated the child’s rights.
The complaint raises eight counts against the district, Johnson, and Durham Transportation, including violations of Michigan’s Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act and the state-created danger doctrine. It also alleges that the district breached state and federal protections for individuals with disabilities.
Legal Developments
In May 2024, Judge George Caram Steeh dismissed two counts, including intentional infliction of emotional distress and failure to report child abuse, citing partial immunity for the school district. However, the judge allowed claims of discrimination and due process violations to proceed, citing sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial.
The district’s response, filed in November 2024, denies responsibility for Jefferson’s actions, arguing that she was employed and supervised by Durham Transportation. Durham, in turn, has defended Jefferson’s actions as “reasonable and necessary force” to address alleged violent behavior from the child. Jefferson was convicted of fourth-degree assault in 2023 in Washtenaw County’s 14A District Court.
Parent’s Allegations
Nelson-Molnar has accused the district of negligence, highlighting its delay in reviewing surveillance footage and addressing her concerns. The lawsuit alleges that the district’s inaction forced her son to endure additional trauma, with his behavioral issues escalating due to anxiety about riding the bus.
Emails included in the case reveal internal discussions among administrators regarding the time required to review footage. The district reportedly reassigned a different monitor to the bus but did not take immediate action to address the alleged abuse. Nelson-Molnar stated that she only learned of the incident when a teacher broke ranks and disclosed details to her.
Broader Implications
The lawsuit has drawn attention to broader systemic issues within Ann Arbor Public Schools, particularly in how the district handles special education services and staffing shortages. Advocacy groups argue that the case underscores the need for improved policies to protect vulnerable students.
Principal Michael Johnson, who advised Nelson-Molnar to keep her son on the bus, remains listed as the principal of Carpenter Elementary School despite being placed on leave in 2023. Nelson-Molnar’s son has since been removed from the district.
The trial, set for May 2026, is expected to examine the district’s accountability and its role in the alleged abuse. Both sides have expressed readiness for a jury trial, which will likely bring increased scrutiny to the district’s handling of the incident and its broader responsibilities toward students with disabilities.
As the family awaits their day in court, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of students with disabilities. The trial’s outcome could have significant implications for policies and practices within Ann Arbor Public Schools and other districts facing similar challenges.
