Tort claim: West Ada ‘neglect and systemic failure’ led to student death by suicide

['Kevin Richert', 'Senior Reporter', 'Blogger Kevin Richert Specializes In Education Politics', 'Education Policy. He Has More Than Years Of Experience In Idaho Journalism. He Is A Frequent Guest On', 'Idaho Reports', 'On Idaho Public Television', 'Idaho Matters', 'On Boise State Public Radio. He Can Be Reached At'] Idaho Education News 2025-09-10 20:21:31

Two parents have filed a tort claim against the West Ada School District, saying “neglect and systemic failure” led their high school student to take his own life. Mateo died by suicide in October 2023, according to the Aug. 15 tort claim, obtained by Idaho Education News through a public records request. On the day Mateo ultimately took his own life, he came home from school saying he had again been written up. If West Ada does not respond to the claim, the family can then file a lawsuit. The tort claim also lists State Board of Education members, including state superintendent Debbie Critchfield, as possible defendants.