School Faces Lawsuit After Student Burn Incident
A Santa Fe parent is suing the Academy for Technology and the Classics following injuries during a school burning event.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Secondary Education
Maria Pichardo filed a lawsuit on August 17, 2026, against the Academy for Technology and the Classics following a student injury incident. Six students were burned, two of whom required hospitalization, during a mini-Zozobra burning event in August 2024.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety oversight during school-led cultural events in Santa Fe. Parents with students at the Academy for Technology and the Classics may want to review current school safety protocols for hands-on activities.
The lawsuit filed in the First Judicial Court follows a 2024 incident where six students were burned. Among those injured was a 12-year-old student who sustained burns to his arm, shoulder, ear, head, and hair.
The players
Academy for Technology and the Classics
A public charter school in Santa Fe that offers a rigorous academic curriculum and serves students in the area.
First Judicial Court
The local court of record in New Mexico overseeing the civil litigation regarding the student injury incident.
Maria Pichardo
The plaintiff in the legal case who is representing her son regarding injuries sustained at school.
The details
The injuries occurred during the burning of a mini-Zozobra sculpture, a miniature version of the city's iconic effigy. Students involved in such school activities are often in close proximity to ceremonial fires, necessitating strict safety perimeters and supervision. The Academy for Technology and the Classics has denied any wrongdoing in response to the allegations.
Timeline
August 2024: The mini-Zozobra burning incident occurred.
August 17, 2026: Maria Pichardo filed a lawsuit in the First Judicial Court.
The Home Front
The incident at the Academy for Technology and the Classics marks a departure from standard school-sponsored cultural event safety expectations in Santa Fe. This case sits against the backdrop of local traditions surrounding the city's annual Fiestas de Santa Fe Zozobra burning.
Families with students at the school should consult with administrators regarding safety measures for upcoming extracurricular projects involving fire or combustible materials. If your child participates in similar cultural activities, verify that the school has documented supervision and risk-management plans.
The takeaway
When schools organize events featuring fire or chemical reactions, families should proactively confirm the specific safety equipment and supervision ratios in place. Consider keeping a copy of any signed school activity permission slips or waivers in your home records for future reference.
Further reading
For more on school policy and safety in Santa Fe, visit the Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Fe New Mexican.
