The first day of kindergarten became a nightmare for two families in DeKalb, Illinois. Both families discovered that their young children had gone missing during school hours. One parent, Shannon Stoker, had the foresight to place an AirTag in her son Stevie’s backpack. This small decision later proved crucial.
AirTag to the Rescue
Despite the school’s claim that Stevie had been absent all day, the AirTag showed him at the school. However, communication from the school was inconsistent. By late afternoon, Stoker lost contact with the AirTag, raising her anxiety. Eventually, Stevie’s father tracked him to a school bus, but the driver denied the child’s presence. The AirTag confirmed that Stevie was indeed on the bus, despite the driver’s initial denial.
Another Child Lost
In a separate incident, Steven Ermilio and his wife experienced a similar situation. Their son Joah, also a kindergartener, did not return home on the school bus. After a frantic search, Ermilio found Joah crying on a street corner. The bus driver claimed Joah was never on board, adding to the family’s distress.
Parents Demand Accountability
Both families confronted the DeKalb School District 428 board, demanding answers. The district acknowledged its failures, with Vice President Christopher Boyes offering a public apology. However, the parents are not satisfied and are pushing for concrete actions to ensure such incidents don’t happen again.
Technology as a Lifeline
These events have raised concerns about the district’s safety protocols, especially regarding student transportation and parent communication. The AirTag, though unconventional, played a crucial role in ensuring Stevie’s safety. This situation highlights the potential of technology in safeguarding children when traditional systems fall short.
As the families continue to seek justice, the community hopes that their experience will lead to meaningful improvements in the district’s policies and procedures.
