Lawsuit filed against Bradenton private school claims student was bullied, strangled

A lawsuit recently filed against Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton accuses the private school’s administration of negligence that resulted in the serious injury of a student.

The suit was filed by Manatee County resident Shaunda Heine in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court on Feb. 10. It claims that Heine’s granddaughter was bullied, assaulted and strangled by another student while attending a Saint Stephen’s aftercare program.

The suit further alleges that school staff were aware of the attacker’s “violent tendencies” and failed to protect the safety of Heine’s granddaughter and other students. Citing “similar violent situations,” the suit argues that assaults on Heine’s granddaughter and others could have been prevented if the school had adequate and properly trained staff.

A spokesman for Saint Stephen’s reached by email said that the claim is being evaluated, but the administration has no comment at this time “due to privacy interests.”

The lawsuit lists eight ways in which the school was allegedly negligent, including “failing to maintain and/or monitor the safety of children in its care;” “negligently failing to warn business invitees of the lack of supervision present to the children, even though it knew or should have known of the risk and danger to said children;” and “negligently rendering aid and/or failing to render aid” to Heine’s granddaughter.

The lawsuit says that Heine’s granddaughter required hospitalization after the assault and experienced “pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, permanent and significant scarring and mental anguish.”

Heine is seeking over $50,000 in damages and has requested a trial by jury. She is represented by attorney Bora Kayan with the Morgan & Morgan injury law firm.

A summons was served to the school’s chief financial officer, Thomas Hartnett, on Feb. 15, court records show.

Heine and her attorney did not respond to requests for comment about the lawsuit.

Saint Stephen’s was founded in 1970 and serves nearly 700 students attending pre-K through 12th grade, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The private college preparatory school offers three aftercare programs for pre-K through middle school students.

“The Lower School program and Intermediate School STARS (Study Time After Regular School) program allow students to participate in free and constructive play with other children, providing valuable opportunities for social interaction,” the school’s website says.

This story was originally published February 27, 2023 at 5:50 AM with the headline "Lawsuit filed against Bradenton private school claims student was bullied, strangled."