Family sues Hillsborough County school board after bus aide accused of hitting nonverbal son

A family is suing the Hillsborough County School District, alleging negligence after a school bus aide was accused of hitting her 9-year-old son, who has autism and is nonverbal.Angelina Valdez filed the lawsuit against the school board on Oct. 21, seeking more than $50,000 in damages, according to the complaint.Watch report from Annette Gutierrez: Family sues Hillsborough County school board after bus aide accused of hitting nonverbal sonThe lawsuit stems from an incident on Jan. 9, 2026, involving bus aide James Savage. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested Savage on a child abuse charge, but the state later dropped the charge. The school district fired Savage.The complaint alleges the school board failed to adequately supervise and protect the child, properly train employees and take precautions despite alleged prior misconduct involving school bus staff.Mother says bus video documented incident Valdez's son was a 9-year-old 4th grader when the incident occurred, and is