From everything I’ve read, this little boy was an uncontrolable terror. That means that he almost certainly had an I.E.P. (Individualized Educational Program) which effectively tied the hands of administrators/teachers/staff to discipline him. The school is required by law to educate him in the ‘least-restrictive’ environment possible. Meaning he can’t be stuck in the special ed class all day.
At my school we had such a child. Two staff members were specially trained in how to restrain him—no one else dare touch him. Kid wasn’t evil, but every now and then he’d lose his temper, climb on his desk and start throwing things at the teacher and other students. When this happened a call would go out to one who could restrain him. Since his behavior was his ‘handicap’ he couldn’t be punished without a semi-legal hearing.
If it gets to the point that the school can no longer control such a kid, the school and district will be on the hook for paying for him to be in a place that can control him. Again, because of his ‘handicap’ this extends to 12 months a year until he turns 21—not 18. Money for his ‘special care’ takes precedence over all other educational spending. This is why administrators are reluctant to say he’s out of control.
Good points all and a reminder that, like many other of our problems, this one originates in legislative and executive branches of government.