A first-grade student at Reedville Elementary wasn't feeling well last Thursday and asked to go home, but she ended up leaving school with the wrong guardian.



The Hillsboro School District issued a statement Tuesday describing the incident as a case of misidentification. "The child was misidentified upon arrival in the office," said Beth Graser, Hillsboro School District spokeswoman.



Office staff called the wrong guardian, a grandfather, to pick up the girl. The grandfather arrived, showed his identification and signed out the student, taking her home.



Realizing his mistake, he returned the girl to the school within five minutes, Graser said.



"It's a very unfortunate incident but certainly not indicative of any widespread problem," said Graser.



The school district, which has 20,300 students, is reviewing its release protocols, but immediately put in place requirements that students identify themselves and ensure staff ask the child "do you know this person?" before sending them off, Graser said.



-- Wendy Owen



