A mother is taking legal action against a school board for failing to protect her child from bullying. Natasha Tilakhdin filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on March 7, 2025, against the School Board of Palm Beach County. The lawsuit alleges that the school board neglected its duty to provide a safe environment for students and failed to address repeated incidents of bullying faced by her minor child, B.E.V., at Plumosa School of the Arts.
According to the complaint, Natasha Tilakhdin is acting as the parent and natural guardian of B.E.V., who experienced bullying and physical abuse starting January 9, 2024. The alleged perpetrator was another student identified as T.W., who reportedly punched B.E.V. during recess under the supposed supervision of school employees. Despite reports made to representatives at Plumosa School of the Arts, no immediate corrective action was taken, allowing the bullying to continue unabated.
The situation was further complicated by allegations that T.W.'s mother is a teacher at Plumosa School and an employee of the defendant school board. It is believed she opposed any formal declaration labeling T.W. as a bully due to potential consequences. On January 23, 2024, Tilakhdin entered into a "School-Based Stay Away Agreement," which labeled B.E.V. both as a bully and victim while mandating he maintain distance from T.W. However, this agreement did not apply reciprocally to T.W., nor did it prevent further incidents.
The plaintiff argues that despite existing agreements and multiple reports about ongoing bullying by T.W., neither teachers nor administrators took sufficient action to resolve or mitigate these issues effectively. As per Tilakhdin's claims, this negligence led to significant harm for B.E.V., including physical injuries and emotional distress resulting in long-term consequences like pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of life enjoyment capacity among others.
Tilakhdin seeks judgment against the School Board of Palm Beach County for damages exceeding $50,000 along with taxable costs and interest on liquidated damages permissible under Florida law; she also demands a jury trial for all triable issues by right.
Representing Natasha Tilakhdin is Mark T. Packo from GED Lawyers LLP based out of Boca Raton while Joseph Abruzzo serves as Clerk for Palm Beach County where this case has been filed under Case Number: 502025CA002161XXXAMB.