Massena school aide resigns after reporting alleged student assault

A former aide at Massena Central School District’s Nightingale School resigned after reporting that a special-needs student was allegedly assaulted by another aide, according to information included in the submitted research material.

New York State Police said the alleged incident involved a six-year-old student on Feb. 3. Police charged Darlene Bourdeau with second-degree assault and first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person on March 27. Bourdeau was later charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Amy R. Wells was also charged with criminal possession of a firearm after police said she claimed ownership of a handgun surrendered during the investigation.

Massena Central Superintendent Ron Burke said the district reviewed its procedures for reporting allegations of abuse in educational settings and provided staff training on de-escalation strategies and procedures. The submitted material also says the former aide alleged retaliation after reporting the incident; that allegation was not specifically addressed in Burke’s response.