Franklin Mom Of Wheelchair-Bound Child Who Died On Bus Wants Answers

FRANKLIN, NJ — The mother of 6-year-old wheelchair-bound Fajr Atiya Williams is asking the school district for answers after her school bus death last month.

Najmah Nash spoke at the recent Franklin Township Board of Education meeting asking two questions.

"Since my Fajr passed away, has the district conducted any investigation into Montauk Transitservices?" asked Nash at the July 27 meeting. "What will be your course of action to make sure that this doesn’t happen to any other family in Franklin Township?"

On July 17, Fajr, a girl with special needs, was on a school bus ride to a local school in Franklin Township to attend an extended school year program when a strap on her 4 point harness become tight around her neck. A monitor failed to notice as she suffocated on the ride, according to authorities. Read More: NJ Child Struggled For Life While Monitor Was On Cell: Cops

Franklin Township Superintendent Dr. John A. Ravally said the district has been working with the local police and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office to investigate all and any potential leads to anyone that may have been involved.

"As far as compliance, we do several things to ensure compliance and we are going to continue to do those things," said Ravally.

The meeting opened with a statement from Ravally and a moment of silence for Fajr.

"We are still shaken by the tragic event that occurred early last week and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family and friends of the young student who lost her life due to what law enforcement has described as negligence as part of an employee of one of our transportation vendors," said Ravally.

He added that the school board has asked its attorney to review their current bus contracts.

"Finally as a Board, we pledge we will continue to seek ways to further ensure compliance of all policies, rules, and regulations as they pertain to safely transporting students and will continue to work with our vendors to ensure safety remains a top priority," said Ravally.

Board President Nancy LaCorte called for a moment of silence "for a beautiful little girl with an infectious smile. She was quote the fashionista," said LaCorte.

School bus monitor Amanda Davila, 27, of New Brunswick, has since been charged with second-degree manslaughter, and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child in connection with Fajr's death. Read More: 6-Year-Old Dies After School Bus Ride, Woman Charged In Franklin

Court documents show Davila was distracted with her cell phone while Fajr "struggled violently for her life" as a school bus seat belt became tighter around her neck.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.