School leaves student in wheelchair behind during evacuation

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - A New Jersey school district has agreed to settle claims that staff failed to evacuate at least one disabled student during an unplanned fire alarm.

The agreement says a student in a wheelchair was stuck on the second floor and had no way to leave the building, and that a school administrator waited with him until an all clear was issued.

Acting New Jersey U.S. Attorney William Fitzpatrick says through the agreement, the Watchung Hills Regional High School District will be ordered to enforce an emergency evacuation policy that ensures equal participation and the safety of students with disabilities.

The suit previously claimed the district violated the American with Disabilities Act by leaving a student with a mobility disability in the building while others evacuated.