The Fresno Unified School Board is denying a claim filed on behalf of a student who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted. The action sets the stage for a civil lawsuit against the district.
A 10-year-old girl was kidnapped on her way to Vinland Elementary School in September.
The child was sexually assaulted and left in a field near Kerman.
The claim filed on behalf of the victim says the school district failed to notify guardians when she didn't show up for class.
One member of the public spoke out after the board voted to deny the claim saying, "We cannot allow our kids to be assaulted, beaten, raped and left out. You got to do everything, and the board to say they've done everything, is not right there."
Superintendent Michael Hanson says the district does everything it can to keep students safe and the district will be focusing on the attendance issue.