Family sues OCPS, teacher

The mother of Ishaan Kottapalli, an adult person with autism, is suing OCPS and former teacher's aide Ricky Hightower from Magnolia School, after Hightower bit Kottapalli during school hours. 

The occurrence took place around Jan. 31, 2025, while Kottapalli was a student at Magnolia School. 

The lawsuit says Hightower bit Kottapalli, leaving visible bite marks and an open wound. 

Since then, Kottapalli went through wound care, medical evaluation and infectious disease exposure, all while facing emotional distress, pain and other damages. 

The lawsuit says Hightower's action was malicious and intentional. 

He is accused of battery, and OCPS is accused of negligence and breach of standard care set by Florida Statutes. 

If the plaintiff wins the lawsuit, he will receive more than $50,000.