That is a step relatively easier than prosecuting this kid in court, and then making him an additional burden on society while we monitor his probation status for a couple of years. The kid is a minor, he's disabled, in a wheel chair -- as a practical matter, he's not going to end up in any kind of detention.
He's already known as a menace and a troublemaker, and this false accusation is serious business -- he can do it again at any time, and another teacher may be suspended from his job and his reputation sullied unfairly.
The school administrators neither told a lie, nor pushed Mr. Mayfield off a bridge.
Their failure was to act with a sense of alacrity with regard to the investigation. Secondly, knowing the kid's reputation -- they may have been able to leave Mayfield in the classroom while they investigated.
I think they should be severely admonished by whatever procedure the school system there uses, e.g. a letter of reprimand placed permanently in their files -- and it should be weighed accordingly when considering future personnel actions.
Now, even though I asked you first, I've answered your questions.
Now, you answer mine -- what would you do to the kid and why ??
Why do you suspect this?
Other than because you have preconceived prejudices.
"He's already known as a menace"
From his wheelchair?
You haven't answered my question at all.
The police knew for TWO DAYS PRIOR TO THE SUICIDE, that Mayfield had been exonerated, but they did not inform him of this.
By the way, the kid didn't push Mayfield off the bridge either. Mayfield restricted his entry into some place by putting his hand on the boy, the boy said Mayfield shoved him, and the school board called it an assault.
By the way, as an asides...how would you feel if your wheelchair ridden, thirteen year-old child had been "pushed" by a teacher?