WELLSBURG — The parents of a special needs student at Brooke County Schools have filed a lawsuit against the county’s school board alleging their child was sexually abused by another student while under the supervision of school personnel.

The suit names John and Jane Doe as the plaintiffs, stating, “Due to the nature of the allegations, pseudonyms have been used to protect the identity of the plaintiffs and their severely developmentally disabled minor child.”

The parents allege their child was seated at the rear of a school bus used for special needs students and next to another special needs student they say was known to be disruptive and abusive to himself and others.

They said the other child sexually abused their child between Sept. 19, 2023, and Oct. 5, 2023, and that “occurrences of intimidation, bullying, assault, battery and abuse were recorded on the bus’ surveillance video.”

The suit alleges the bus’ driver and an aide assigned to assist the students were aware of the situation and failed to act and that the parents asked school officials to remove the other student from the bus and they did not.

Attorneys for the parents are seeking at least $5 million in damages through the school district’s liability insurance provider.

Called for comment, Superintendent Jeffrey Crook referred questions about the case to attorneys representing the school district in the matter.

They didn’t return calls for comment.

The case is pending in the 1st Judicial Circuit Court.