I don't understand how they could see her on / near the road, but then she simply vanishes from sight before staff could reach her? How did they lose sight of her? How fast can a nine-year-old in snow boots run in snow / ice? Why was she wearing snow boots in the gym? In my experience working in elementary schools that had special education programs for emotionally impaired, autism spectrum, etc., when a child ran, a staff member immediately left other children with any other near by staff member and went in hot pursuit. Adult-child ratio rule was momentarily suspended in such emergency cases. I'm not very familiar with this type of institution, but I thought there were always two doors, one being of heavy metal and accessed only by a key card worn around the neck by authorized staff. How did she get from the gym and through the security doors? There are troubling aspects to this story, IMO. I hope they do a serious evaluation of their security procedures ASAP. As far as the director wanting to get Serenity back so they can continue helping her? Not on your life if she were my kid! I wouldn't even consider letting her near the place ever again! MOO.