Albuquerque, NM, October 21, 2025
Albuquerque Public Schools has reached a $3.5 million settlement with a former student who sustained serious injuries in a classroom sword fight at La Cueva High School. The incident, which involved prop swords during a drama class, raised concerns about supervision and safety protocols within the district. The settlement will provide funds for the student’s ongoing medical care and has led to the implementation of stricter safety measures in schools, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Albuquerque Public Schools Reaches $3.5 Million Settlement in Classroom Sword Fight Incident
Albuquerque, NM – A $3.5 million lawsuit settlement has been finalized between Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and a former student who suffered severe injuries during a classroom sword fight at La Cueva High School two years ago. The agreement resolves claims of inadequate supervision that contributed to the bizarre accident during a drama class.
The incident occurred when two students used prop swords, resulting in deep lacerations to the victim’s arm and face. These injuries required extensive medical attention and have ongoing implications for the student’s health. APS acknowledged partial responsibility for failing to properly oversee the activity, which led to the legal action. The settlement ensures financial support for the victim’s continued medical care and provides a measure of closure for the family.
Following the event, the district introduced stricter guidelines on the use of classroom props and enhanced safety protocols across its schools. These changes aim to prevent similar occurrences by increasing oversight during activities involving potential hazards. No criminal charges were pursued against the involved students or staff, focusing the resolution on civil accountability rather than prosecution.
The case has brought renewed attention to school safety measures within APS, prompting discussions on the adequacy of current training and supervision practices. The settlement funds will come from insurance coverage, sparing direct costs to taxpayers. Community members have expressed varied responses, with some viewing the agreement as a positive step toward accountability, while others advocate for broader improvements in staff training and emergency preparedness.
Details of the Incident
The sword fight took place in a drama class at La Cueva High School, where students were experimenting with props as part of their curriculum. What began as a simulated activity escalated into an unintended physical altercation, causing significant harm to one participant. Emergency services were called immediately, and the injured student was transported for treatment. The severity of the wounds, including cuts that required stitches and possible long-term scarring, underscored the risks associated with unsupervised use of even makeshift weapons in educational settings.
Investigations following the incident revealed gaps in supervision, as the instructor was not closely monitoring the students at the time. This oversight formed the basis of the lawsuit filed by the victim’s family, seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. APS’s partial admission of liability reflects an internal review that identified procedural shortcomings in the drama program’s safety standards.
District’s Response and Policy Changes
In response to the lawsuit and broader safety concerns, APS has revised its policies to include mandatory training for teachers on risk assessment and prop management. New rules prohibit the use of sharp or potentially dangerous items without prior approval and direct supervision. These updates are part of a larger effort to align school activities with comprehensive safety frameworks, ensuring that creative classes like drama maintain educational value without compromising student well-being.
APS Board President Paula Maes has highlighted the district’s dedication to learning from such events to foster safer environments. The implementation of these protocols extends beyond drama classes, influencing general classroom management across APS’s 143 schools serving over 70,000 students.
Community and Broader Implications
The resolution of this case occurs amid ongoing conversations about school safety in Albuquerque, especially as the district prepares for its 2027 budget discussions and board elections. Parents and educators have called for more robust safety training programs, viewing this incident as a cautionary example. While the settlement addresses the immediate needs of the affected family, it also serves as a catalyst for systemic reviews of how schools balance innovation in teaching with risk mitigation.
Mixed reactions from the community illustrate the complexity of these issues. Some residents appreciate the financial resolution and policy shifts as steps forward, while others push for deeper investments in counseling and safety infrastructure to support students’ emotional and physical health. This event reinforces the importance of vigilance in educational settings, where everyday activities can unexpectedly pose risks.
Overall, the settlement marks a significant chapter’s end for the involved parties, but it continues to influence APS’s approach to safety. As the district moves forward, ongoing evaluations will be crucial to maintaining trust and security in Albuquerque’s public schools.
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FAQ
What happened in the classroom sword fight incident at La Cueva High School?
A $3.5 million lawsuit settlement has been reached between Albuquerque Public Schools and a former student injured in a bizarre classroom sword fight at La Cueva High School two years ago. The incident involved two students using prop swords during a drama class, resulting in severe lacerations to the victim’s arm and face.
What was APS’s role in the incident?
APS admitted partial liability for inadequate supervision.
What does the settlement provide?
This settlement provides closure and funds for ongoing medical care.
Have there been any changes to school policies as a result?
The district has since implemented stricter rules on classroom props and safety protocols.
Were any criminal charges filed?
No criminal charges were filed, but the case highlighted concerns about school safety measures.
What is the district’s stance on future safety?
APS Board President At-large Paula Maes emphasized the district’s commitment to preventing future accidents.
How has the community reacted?
Community reaction has been mixed, with some praising the resolution and others calling for more comprehensive safety training.
How will the settlement be funded?
The settlement will be covered by insurance, avoiding direct taxpayer impact.
Key Features of the Settlement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $3.5 million |
| Incident Location | La Cueva High School, Albuquerque, NM |
| Date of Incident | Two years ago |
| Injuries Sustained | Severe lacerations to arm and face |
| APS Liability | Partial, due to inadequate supervision |
| Policy Changes | Stricter rules on classroom props and safety protocols |
| Criminal Charges | None filed |
| Funding Source | Insurance coverage |
| Community Reaction | Mixed; praise for resolution, calls for more training |
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