New hampshire elementary school worker charged with assaulting children

A 24-year-old behavior technician at Parker-Varney Elementary School in New Hampshire, William O’Connell, has been charged with assaulting two 7-year-old children. The charges were filed after witnesses reported seeing O’Connell throw a boy to the ground, causing facial injuries, and roughly handle a girl. This incident occurred shortly after similar charges were filed against another worker at the same school. Both men worked for Applied ABC, a contracted provider for the Manchester School District.

Serious concerns and reactions

Manchester Police stated that witnesses saw O’Connell throw a 7-year-old boy to the ground, resulting in facial injuries, and put a 7-year-old girl onto the floor in a forceful manner, although she wasn't injured. The series of assaults has raised serious concerns about the suitability of Applied ABC to provide services, prompting the school district to thoroughly review all its contracts with outside employers.

Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais described the alleged assaults as "grossly inexcusable" and emphasized that they fall far below the high standards set by the Manchester School District for the safety and well-being of its students. Applied ABC asserted that it has a zero-tolerance policy regarding improper behavior towards children, promptly notifying the authorities and terminating the employee upon learning of the reported incidents.

Response and legal proceedings

In response to the incidents, Applied ABC revealed that it has relationships with more than 50 school districts nationwide, employing 81 staff members in Manchester schools. The company emphasized its rigorous screening processes to ensure that employees are credentialed and experienced.