Massachusetts finds Saugus schools failed to address bullying and followed improper suspension procedures for a young student with ADHD

A state review has revealed that Saugus Public Schools did not properly handle bullying complaints or follow suspension protocols for a second-grade pupil with ADHD, sparking debate on discipline practices for very young children.

A state review has concluded that Saugus Public Schools failed to handle bullying complaints properly and did not follow required steps before suspending a second-grade pupil, in a case that has fuelled debate over how Massachusetts schools discipline very young children. The findings concern Lori-Ann Baldassari and her daughter, Karmin, who attended Belmonte STEAM Academy and later came to national attention after 5 Investigates first reported the family’s account.

Baldassari has said Karmin, who has ADHD and anxiety, was bullied by classmates and then given a one-day suspension after kicking one of the boys involved. She also said the school did not fully carry out parts of the child’s support plan. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education said the district did implement the support plan, but did not promptly address the bullying reports, failed to give proper notice of the suspension and did not inform the superintendent before it took effect. The agency also found the district was not required to weigh Karmin’s disability before suspending her.

Baldassari told 5 Investigates she cannot undo what happened, but hopes the case will force schools to act sooner when children are in distress. Her daughter was later treated in a psychiatric hospital, and Baldassari has linked that crisis in part to the experience at school. The suspension was later rescinded and removed from Karmin’s record.

The state ordered Saugus to bring in an outside specialist to train staff on bullying and to provide more discipline training. Superintendent Michael Hashem said in an email that the district had already completed the required training for administrators and was working to stay in line with state guidance. The case has also been seized on by advocates pushing for the Early Grade Suspension bill, which would curb suspensions for the youngest pupils; Massachusetts Advocates for Children says families regularly report bullying that goes unaddressed, while the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents argues schools must still keep suspensions available when safety is at risk. Karmin is now at a different school and her mother says she is doing well.