Tuesday, February 3, 2009
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/feb/03/teacher-alex-barton-case-testifies-hearing/
FORT PIERCE — After about eight months following a decision she made to have her students vote on whether one of them should stay in class, Morningside Elementary kindergarten teacher Wendy Portillo broke her silence.
During her testimony before an administrative law judge Tuesday, Portillo outlined the events that took place May 21, 2008, from the time 5-year-old Alex Barton arrived at school without a backpack and homework folder until the class voted 14-to-2 for Alex to leave the room.
Portillo is appealing her one-year unpaid suspension she got in November for holding a class poll to see whether Alex could stay in class. Alex has since been diagnosed with having a type of autism.
In addition to the suspension, the St. Lucie School Board took away Portillo’s tenure and placed her on an annual contract.
Morningside Elementary Principal Marcia Cully testified Tuesday she would not rehire Portillo because she no longer has a rapport or trust with her. Schools Superintendent Michael Lannon said Monday he would not want her ever to teach elementary school again in St. Lucie, even if she gets her job back.
Portillo said she never intended to embarrass or hurt Alex.
“If I could take that morning back, I would,” she said.
Barton was sent to the office about 10:30 a.m. for pushing a table up with his feet and flicking crayons at other students. When he left, his classmates began talking about what they saw, Portillo testified Tuesday.
“I felt I needed to talk about what they had seen. I explained to them that people do stuff just to get attention. I was just telling them I was there for them,” Portillo said.
That’s when Alex walked back in the room, she said.
Other students started talking about things Alex did. Portillo told him to listen to what his peers said about him, she said.
“I said, ‘I’m not sure I’m ready for you now,’” she said. “I said, ‘Let’s take a poll.’ One of the students said, ‘What’s a poll?’ I said, ‘It’s like a vote.’”
Portillo made tally marks on the board in the front of the class, where Alex and Portillo stood. The class had been learning about keeping tallies, she said. Portillo said she didn’t think whether the vote was appropriate.
“It was just another learning opportunity. It was just another way for me to review that teaching,” she said.
The vote turned out to be 14 to 2, she said.
Alex left the classroom. Portillo didn’t see him the rest of the morning.
She said she now is sorry for what happened, and didn’t mean to embarrass the child and would do things differently if she could.
She said she would apologize again to Alex’s mother, Melissa Barton.
After the outcry over the vote, Portillo said she became a homebody.
“I felt that everyone was judging me. I couldn’t eat or drink,” she said. “It was not a good experience.”
WHAT’S NEXT
• After a transcript of the hearing is written, both parties have 10 calendar days to file a proposed recommended order.
• Administrative law judge Claude Arrington, who heard the case, then deliberates. He said he usually takes about 20 days to deliver a finding of facts and recommendation of any punishment.
• The recommendation then goes to the St. Lucie County School Board, which makes the final decision. The board cannot deviate from the judge’s finding of facts, but can decide not to follow the judge’s recommendation if it can provide reason for doing so.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
MD: Teacher sentenced in child abuse freed
How does this even remotely make sense?
Feb 3, 2009 6:30 AM
http://www.examiner.com/a-1830005~Md__teacher_sentenced_in_child_abuse_freed.html
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (Map, News) - A former Howard County high school teacher sentenced last year to four years in prison for undressing a student and photographing him naked has been freed as part of a plea agreement in a related case.
Fifty-four-year-old Alan Meade Beier, who taught science at River Hill High School, pleaded guilty Monday to a second charge of sexually abusing a minor.
Beier received a 10-year sentence, but Howard County Circuit Judge Diane Leasure suspended all but the time served since he was sentenced in June in the first case. Leasure also modified the sentence in the first case to allow Beier's release.
Beier agreed not to appeal either conviction and was placed on three years supervised probation, and he must register as a child sex offender.
Feb 3, 2009 6:30 AM
http://www.examiner.com/a-1830005~Md__teacher_sentenced_in_child_abuse_freed.html
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (Map, News) - A former Howard County high school teacher sentenced last year to four years in prison for undressing a student and photographing him naked has been freed as part of a plea agreement in a related case.
Fifty-four-year-old Alan Meade Beier, who taught science at River Hill High School, pleaded guilty Monday to a second charge of sexually abusing a minor.
Beier received a 10-year sentence, but Howard County Circuit Judge Diane Leasure suspended all but the time served since he was sentenced in June in the first case. Leasure also modified the sentence in the first case to allow Beier's release.
Beier agreed not to appeal either conviction and was placed on three years supervised probation, and he must register as a child sex offender.
TX: Perry makes schools for mentally disabled priority
By JIM VERTUNO Associated Press Writer © 2009 The Associated Press
Feb. 3, 2009, 8:46PM
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6245331.html
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday declared protecting residents of Texas institutions for the mentally disabled an emergency issue for lawmakers, a move that comes after a federal report found negligent and abusive care and conditions that contributed to dozens of deaths.
The state has "a duty to ensure the safety" of those living in those facilities, Perry spokeswoman Allison Castle said.
Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, working with Perry's office, filed a bill that would create a governor-appointed ombudsman to investigate injuries and deaths and oversee the institutions known as state schools.
Other proposed changes include better background checks for staff, audits of the schools twice a year and other safety measures.
The bill does not call for a moratorium on enrollment or closing schools that some advocates for the disabled have demanded.
Texas houses nearly 5,000 residents in 13 state schools. Critics of the system say the state is stuck in an era when the mentally disabled were hidden away in large, impersonal facilities far from relatives and communities.
Nelson said while lawmakers will debate those issues, she intentionally left them out of the bill to help pass these changes.
"There are people who feel we should eliminate them, there are people who strongly believe they should continue to exist," Nelson said. "Emotions fly on that issue. We'll look at all that."
A Justice Department report released in December found at least 53 patients in Texas' large residential facilities died in 2007 from preventable conditions that were often the result of lapses in care.
It concluded that the Texas facilities violate residents' rights and called the number of injuries to patients "disturbingly high."
The report also noted hundreds of state investigations of allegations of abuse and mistreatment of residents, the danger of more than half of state facilities losing Medicaid funding because of care and safety problems and more than 800 workers fired or suspended for mistreating patients since 2004.
"We must never tolerate the abuse or neglect of our most vulnerable citizens," Nelson said. "These special Texans deserve to be protected and treated with dignity and respect."
Other changes proposed by Perry's office and Nelson's bill include moving residents charged with crimes to a special facility away from the rest of the population, creation of an abuse-and-neglect hotline and surveillance cameras in common areas.
Nelson also said the state should spend more on salaries and training for institution workers.
Some of the changes are modeled after sweeping reform made in the state juvenile prison system in 2007 when the Texas Youth Commission was wracked by allegations of staff abuse of inmates and a coverup.
Perry's chief of staff Jay Kimbrough, who was a central figure in the TYC reforms, is now tackling the state schools issue for the governor's office.
Susan Payne of College Station is the vice president of the Parent Association for the Retarded of Texas and a defender of keeping the state schools open. Payne's 47-year-old sister lives in the Denton school.
Payne applauded some of the proposed changes, saying they will help ensure residents get quality care.
"There will be a need for these state schools for the severely and profoundly retarded. That's just common sense," Payne said.
Richard LaVallo, interim legal director for Advocacy Inc., which has called for a moratorium on admissions, said his group supports the changes in the bill.
But Advocacy Inc. also wants a ban on use of mechanical restraints and straight jackets and restrictions on the use of psychiatric drugs on residents.
It also wants advocacy groups to be allowed better access to state schools to act as watchdogs.
"The more open and transparent they are could help enhance safety in those facilities," LaVallo said.
Feb. 3, 2009, 8:46PM
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6245331.html
AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday declared protecting residents of Texas institutions for the mentally disabled an emergency issue for lawmakers, a move that comes after a federal report found negligent and abusive care and conditions that contributed to dozens of deaths.
The state has "a duty to ensure the safety" of those living in those facilities, Perry spokeswoman Allison Castle said.
Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, working with Perry's office, filed a bill that would create a governor-appointed ombudsman to investigate injuries and deaths and oversee the institutions known as state schools.
Other proposed changes include better background checks for staff, audits of the schools twice a year and other safety measures.
The bill does not call for a moratorium on enrollment or closing schools that some advocates for the disabled have demanded.
Texas houses nearly 5,000 residents in 13 state schools. Critics of the system say the state is stuck in an era when the mentally disabled were hidden away in large, impersonal facilities far from relatives and communities.
Nelson said while lawmakers will debate those issues, she intentionally left them out of the bill to help pass these changes.
"There are people who feel we should eliminate them, there are people who strongly believe they should continue to exist," Nelson said. "Emotions fly on that issue. We'll look at all that."
A Justice Department report released in December found at least 53 patients in Texas' large residential facilities died in 2007 from preventable conditions that were often the result of lapses in care.
It concluded that the Texas facilities violate residents' rights and called the number of injuries to patients "disturbingly high."
The report also noted hundreds of state investigations of allegations of abuse and mistreatment of residents, the danger of more than half of state facilities losing Medicaid funding because of care and safety problems and more than 800 workers fired or suspended for mistreating patients since 2004.
"We must never tolerate the abuse or neglect of our most vulnerable citizens," Nelson said. "These special Texans deserve to be protected and treated with dignity and respect."
Other changes proposed by Perry's office and Nelson's bill include moving residents charged with crimes to a special facility away from the rest of the population, creation of an abuse-and-neglect hotline and surveillance cameras in common areas.
Nelson also said the state should spend more on salaries and training for institution workers.
Some of the changes are modeled after sweeping reform made in the state juvenile prison system in 2007 when the Texas Youth Commission was wracked by allegations of staff abuse of inmates and a coverup.
Perry's chief of staff Jay Kimbrough, who was a central figure in the TYC reforms, is now tackling the state schools issue for the governor's office.
Susan Payne of College Station is the vice president of the Parent Association for the Retarded of Texas and a defender of keeping the state schools open. Payne's 47-year-old sister lives in the Denton school.
Payne applauded some of the proposed changes, saying they will help ensure residents get quality care.
"There will be a need for these state schools for the severely and profoundly retarded. That's just common sense," Payne said.
Richard LaVallo, interim legal director for Advocacy Inc., which has called for a moratorium on admissions, said his group supports the changes in the bill.
But Advocacy Inc. also wants a ban on use of mechanical restraints and straight jackets and restrictions on the use of psychiatric drugs on residents.
It also wants advocacy groups to be allowed better access to state schools to act as watchdogs.
"The more open and transparent they are could help enhance safety in those facilities," LaVallo said.
NC: Teacher fired after abuse investigation
Wednesday, February 4 ( updated 9:42 am)
Staff Reports
http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/02/04/article/teacher_fired_after_abuse_investigation
KERNERSVILLE — The Diocese of Charlotte said it has fired a veteran teacher at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School after investigating claims of abuse by a former student.
The diocese did not identify the teacher. In September, when the diocese announced that it had suspended the teacher, the diocese said the teacher had worked at the school for 17 years.
The incident allegedly happened in 2001 at the teacher's home. Neither the diocese nor the school provided any more details about what happened. The diocese said the teacher had passed a background check and had completed required sexual abuse awareness training.
Staff Reports
http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/02/04/article/teacher_fired_after_abuse_investigation
KERNERSVILLE — The Diocese of Charlotte said it has fired a veteran teacher at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School after investigating claims of abuse by a former student.
The diocese did not identify the teacher. In September, when the diocese announced that it had suspended the teacher, the diocese said the teacher had worked at the school for 17 years.
The incident allegedly happened in 2001 at the teacher's home. Neither the diocese nor the school provided any more details about what happened. The diocese said the teacher had passed a background check and had completed required sexual abuse awareness training.
IA: Hampton sex abuse, exploitation case settled
By Courier Lee News Service
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 12:01 PM CST
http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2009/02/04/news/local/10989579.txt
HAMPTON --- The case of a former Hampton teaching assistant accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student has been settled out of court, according to a spokesperson in the Franklin County Clerk of Court's office.
Tyler Marc Radcliffe, 21, of Hampton, was charged with third-degree sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a school employee.
His trial was to have started today with jury selection.
Radcliffe's attorney, Brian Miller of Hampton, had no comment when contacted Monday afternoon.
Details of the settlement were not available.
The criminal case evolved after school officials reported the incident after a meeting with the girl's mother in October 2007.
The alleged incident took place in August 2007 prior to the start of the school year. The girl apparently went to Radcliffe's apartment during his noon break and the incident allegedly took place there.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 12:01 PM CST
http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2009/02/04/news/local/10989579.txt
HAMPTON --- The case of a former Hampton teaching assistant accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student has been settled out of court, according to a spokesperson in the Franklin County Clerk of Court's office.
Tyler Marc Radcliffe, 21, of Hampton, was charged with third-degree sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a school employee.
His trial was to have started today with jury selection.
Radcliffe's attorney, Brian Miller of Hampton, had no comment when contacted Monday afternoon.
Details of the settlement were not available.
The criminal case evolved after school officials reported the incident after a meeting with the girl's mother in October 2007.
The alleged incident took place in August 2007 prior to the start of the school year. The girl apparently went to Radcliffe's apartment during his noon break and the incident allegedly took place there.
CA: Willits teacher arrested on child sexual abuse charges
By Linda Williams/TWN Staff Writer
Posted: 02/04/2009 10:51:41 AM PST
http://www.willitsnews.com/ci_11626443
Clinton Douglas Smith, 38, of Willits, was arrested Thursday afternoon, January 29, on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a child and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years of age, oral copulation with a child under 16, and sexual penetration with a child under 16. Bail was set at $50,000 and Smith remains in Mendocino County Jail. A plea hearing is scheduled tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in Mendocino County Superior Court in Willits.
Smith is a math and science teacher at the Willits Charter School, and for the past seven years a soccer coach, most recently coaching girls aged 14 to 16.
Willits Police Department began investigating the alleged sexual misconduct when notified by the school on January 13. According to police, Smith was allegedly involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female victim for several months. The case was referred to the Mendocino County District Attorney's office for action and an arrest warrant for Smith was issued January 29.
According to school officials, the school is cooperating fully with law enforcement, and once the school became aware of the alleged misconduct, Smith was not allowed to work with children.
The Willits Police Department requests anyone with information on this case to contact Sgt Jake Donahue at 459-6122.
Posted: 02/04/2009 10:51:41 AM PST
http://www.willitsnews.com/ci_11626443
Clinton Douglas Smith, 38, of Willits, was arrested Thursday afternoon, January 29, on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a child and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years of age, oral copulation with a child under 16, and sexual penetration with a child under 16. Bail was set at $50,000 and Smith remains in Mendocino County Jail. A plea hearing is scheduled tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. in Mendocino County Superior Court in Willits.
Smith is a math and science teacher at the Willits Charter School, and for the past seven years a soccer coach, most recently coaching girls aged 14 to 16.
Willits Police Department began investigating the alleged sexual misconduct when notified by the school on January 13. According to police, Smith was allegedly involved in an ongoing sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female victim for several months. The case was referred to the Mendocino County District Attorney's office for action and an arrest warrant for Smith was issued January 29.
According to school officials, the school is cooperating fully with law enforcement, and once the school became aware of the alleged misconduct, Smith was not allowed to work with children.
The Willits Police Department requests anyone with information on this case to contact Sgt Jake Donahue at 459-6122.
SD: School program leads to sex abuse charges against man
Josh Verges, Argus Leader • February 4, 2009
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20090204/NEWS/902040325/1001
An elementary school presentation about sexual abuse has led to the arrest of a 56-year-old Sioux Falls man.
Jeffery Allen Person was arrested Tuesday afternoon on two counts of sexual contact with a child, police said.
The alleged victims are two girls, ages 8 and 9. After hearing a presentation from a school safety officer, they told their parents that Person had sexually assaulted them, according to police.
Police did not say what gave Person access to the girls.
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20090204/NEWS/902040325/1001
An elementary school presentation about sexual abuse has led to the arrest of a 56-year-old Sioux Falls man.
Jeffery Allen Person was arrested Tuesday afternoon on two counts of sexual contact with a child, police said.
The alleged victims are two girls, ages 8 and 9. After hearing a presentation from a school safety officer, they told their parents that Person had sexually assaulted them, according to police.
Police did not say what gave Person access to the girls.
NY: Red Creek school employee, coach charged with sex abuse
Last Update: 8:42 pm
http://www.9wsyr.com/mostpopular/story/Red-Creek-school-employee-coach-charged-with-sex/RX_Xn6EEd0KP-XhQvj7lOA.cspx
Red Creek, Cayuga Co. (WSYR-TV) – Sheriff’s Deputies say a woman who acted as a monitor and coach for several Red Creek School District teams was arrested for sexually abusing a middle school student.
Kelly Powers, 31, of Red Creek, was arrested Tuesday evening and charged with one count of sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Police say she had sexual contact at least a dozen times with a child under the age of 14.
Cayuga County Sheriff’s Deputies say the investigation began Tuesday, after a report was received from Child Protective Services in regard to inappropriate contact that Powers was having with a student. Powers allegedly had inappropriate contact with the victim at their residence in northern Cayuga County.
Sheriff’s Deputies say further charges are pending in regard to incidents which occurred on school property.
Deputies say Powers came into the Public Safety Building Tuesday afternoon, along with the victim and the victim’s family to report the incidents, and basically surrender herself.
“I think she's a close friend of the family -- I think it was a matter of her and the family wanting to do the right thing, and get this cleaned up specifically so child could start the healing process,” says Lt. Joseph Weeks of the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department.
Powers has been a monitor at the Red Creek Middle School Office for the past four years, and coaches numerous girls’ athletic teams. The Red Creek Central website lists Ms. Powers as the head coach of the junior high girls basketball team and junior high girls soccer team.
The school district says after it found out about the charges, the district asked Powers to resign, which she did.
Powers was arraigned Tuesday night and made a court appearance Wednesday evening in Town of Victory Court. The Red Creek school board also held a meeting Wednesday night to talk about Powers’s arrest.
Deputies are looking in to whether there are any more victims. The Red Creek School District did not want to talk to us on camera Wednesday; it did issue a statement saying that this is a huge concern and that the main priority for the school district is to keep students safe.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detectives at 253-1610.
Full statement from Red Creek Central School District
There has been a matter brought to our attention by law enforcement whereby, Kelly Powers, a middle school office monitor and coach, was arrested yesterday by the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office for one count sexual abuse second degree and one count endangering the welfare of a child.
As a result of being advised of this incident, we met with the employee and requested and received her resignation effective immediately. Obviously, this is of great concern to all of us and we will continue to review the matter and take any additional action that is necessary.
Please be assured that the Red Creek Central School District will continue to provide a quality education to our students.
http://www.9wsyr.com/mostpopular/story/Red-Creek-school-employee-coach-charged-with-sex/RX_Xn6EEd0KP-XhQvj7lOA.cspx
Red Creek, Cayuga Co. (WSYR-TV) – Sheriff’s Deputies say a woman who acted as a monitor and coach for several Red Creek School District teams was arrested for sexually abusing a middle school student.
Kelly Powers, 31, of Red Creek, was arrested Tuesday evening and charged with one count of sexual abuse and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Police say she had sexual contact at least a dozen times with a child under the age of 14.
Cayuga County Sheriff’s Deputies say the investigation began Tuesday, after a report was received from Child Protective Services in regard to inappropriate contact that Powers was having with a student. Powers allegedly had inappropriate contact with the victim at their residence in northern Cayuga County.
Sheriff’s Deputies say further charges are pending in regard to incidents which occurred on school property.
Deputies say Powers came into the Public Safety Building Tuesday afternoon, along with the victim and the victim’s family to report the incidents, and basically surrender herself.
“I think she's a close friend of the family -- I think it was a matter of her and the family wanting to do the right thing, and get this cleaned up specifically so child could start the healing process,” says Lt. Joseph Weeks of the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department.
Powers has been a monitor at the Red Creek Middle School Office for the past four years, and coaches numerous girls’ athletic teams. The Red Creek Central website lists Ms. Powers as the head coach of the junior high girls basketball team and junior high girls soccer team.
The school district says after it found out about the charges, the district asked Powers to resign, which she did.
Powers was arraigned Tuesday night and made a court appearance Wednesday evening in Town of Victory Court. The Red Creek school board also held a meeting Wednesday night to talk about Powers’s arrest.
Deputies are looking in to whether there are any more victims. The Red Creek School District did not want to talk to us on camera Wednesday; it did issue a statement saying that this is a huge concern and that the main priority for the school district is to keep students safe.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detectives at 253-1610.
Full statement from Red Creek Central School District
There has been a matter brought to our attention by law enforcement whereby, Kelly Powers, a middle school office monitor and coach, was arrested yesterday by the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office for one count sexual abuse second degree and one count endangering the welfare of a child.
As a result of being advised of this incident, we met with the employee and requested and received her resignation effective immediately. Obviously, this is of great concern to all of us and we will continue to review the matter and take any additional action that is necessary.
Please be assured that the Red Creek Central School District will continue to provide a quality education to our students.
UT: Utah County school employee charged with sexual abuse
Oak Canyon » 19-year-old school aide allegedly kissed, touched student, 14.
By Lindsay Whitehurst
The Salt Lake Tribune
Posted: 02/04/2009 05:27:01 PM MST
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11627337
A former Oak Canyon Junior High School employee is facing sexual abuse charges for allegedly kissing and touching a 14-year-old student.
Mallory M. Shaw, 19, of Lehi, was a school aide who occasionally supervised the student assistance center, where students go to study or make up tests after the school day is over, said Alpine School District spokeswoman Rhonda Bromley.
On Jan. 21, a student reported to school administrators that four 14-year-old boys had given Shaw money in exchange for cigarettes several times at her Lehi home between September and December 2008, Lindon Police Chief Cody Cullimore said.
During November or December 2008, she and one of the boys allegedly kissed and touched each other in her car in Lindon, according to an affidavit accompanying charging documents filed in 4th District Court. The boy was a family friend as well as a student, Bromley said.
Shaw was arrested on Jan. 22 and allegedly admitted to buying the cigarettes and the encounter, the affidavit states. On Jan. 30, she was charged with forcible sexual abuse, a felony, and furnishing tobacco to minors, a misdemeanor.
Shaw had worked at the school since Aug. 18, Bromley said.
"When the information was first brought to the administration they immediately put her on probation while the investigation happened," Bromley said. Shaw had no contact with students after the allegation was made, and was fired from the district about two weeks ago, following a school investigation, Bromley said.
lwhitehurst@sltrib.com
By Lindsay Whitehurst
The Salt Lake Tribune
Posted: 02/04/2009 05:27:01 PM MST
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11627337
A former Oak Canyon Junior High School employee is facing sexual abuse charges for allegedly kissing and touching a 14-year-old student.
Mallory M. Shaw, 19, of Lehi, was a school aide who occasionally supervised the student assistance center, where students go to study or make up tests after the school day is over, said Alpine School District spokeswoman Rhonda Bromley.
On Jan. 21, a student reported to school administrators that four 14-year-old boys had given Shaw money in exchange for cigarettes several times at her Lehi home between September and December 2008, Lindon Police Chief Cody Cullimore said.
During November or December 2008, she and one of the boys allegedly kissed and touched each other in her car in Lindon, according to an affidavit accompanying charging documents filed in 4th District Court. The boy was a family friend as well as a student, Bromley said.
Shaw was arrested on Jan. 22 and allegedly admitted to buying the cigarettes and the encounter, the affidavit states. On Jan. 30, she was charged with forcible sexual abuse, a felony, and furnishing tobacco to minors, a misdemeanor.
Shaw had worked at the school since Aug. 18, Bromley said.
"When the information was first brought to the administration they immediately put her on probation while the investigation happened," Bromley said. Shaw had no contact with students after the allegation was made, and was fired from the district about two weeks ago, following a school investigation, Bromley said.
lwhitehurst@sltrib.com
TX: Troubled state schools under information blackout
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6246139.html
AUSTIN — The agency in charge of Texas institutions for the mentally disabled has imposed a near blackout on information about the troubled facilities, which Gov. Rick Perry this week declared an emergency issue for lawmakers.
Facing federal pressure to correct widespread abuse and neglect in the facilities known as state schools, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has quashed more than a dozen requests for information in the past two years, the San Antonio Express-News reported Wednesday.
The agency clamped down in response to a Justice Department investigation that found at least 53 state schools residents died in 2007 from preventable conditions that were often the result of lapses in care.
Open records requests ranged from statistics on abuse and neglect to staffing vacancies. A review of Texas attorney general's opinions showed DADS invoked the threat of possible litigation from the Justice Department in order to withhold information, the newspaper reported.
"People have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, as well as how our most vulnerable citizens are being treated," said Jeff Garrison-Tate, president of the group Community Now! that advocates for the mentally disabled.
On Tuesday, Perry's office said the state has "a duty to ensure the safety" of those living in those facilities.
DADS releases reports that assess how well facilities follow a wide sweep of regulatory rules. Cecilia Federov, an agency spokeswoman, said family members can use those reports and other tools to gauge the risk of state schools.
For example, the agency posts online lists of state regulations that facilities have violated in recent years. But the Web site doesn't include any specifics about the allegations or incidents the agency investigated.
Government agencies must publicly disclose information after giving it to the opposing party in the anticipated litigation. But agencies aren't requested to let the person who requested the information know what happens.
Tom Kelley, a spokesman for the attorney general's office, said he thinks there is limited potential for state agencies to abuse the litigation exception because the records can only be withheld temporarily.
Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, working with Perry's office, has filed a bill that would create a governor-appointed ombudsman to investigate injuries and deaths and oversee the institutions known as state schools.
AUSTIN — The agency in charge of Texas institutions for the mentally disabled has imposed a near blackout on information about the troubled facilities, which Gov. Rick Perry this week declared an emergency issue for lawmakers.
Facing federal pressure to correct widespread abuse and neglect in the facilities known as state schools, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has quashed more than a dozen requests for information in the past two years, the San Antonio Express-News reported Wednesday.
The agency clamped down in response to a Justice Department investigation that found at least 53 state schools residents died in 2007 from preventable conditions that were often the result of lapses in care.
Open records requests ranged from statistics on abuse and neglect to staffing vacancies. A review of Texas attorney general's opinions showed DADS invoked the threat of possible litigation from the Justice Department in order to withhold information, the newspaper reported.
"People have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, as well as how our most vulnerable citizens are being treated," said Jeff Garrison-Tate, president of the group Community Now! that advocates for the mentally disabled.
On Tuesday, Perry's office said the state has "a duty to ensure the safety" of those living in those facilities.
DADS releases reports that assess how well facilities follow a wide sweep of regulatory rules. Cecilia Federov, an agency spokeswoman, said family members can use those reports and other tools to gauge the risk of state schools.
For example, the agency posts online lists of state regulations that facilities have violated in recent years. But the Web site doesn't include any specifics about the allegations or incidents the agency investigated.
Government agencies must publicly disclose information after giving it to the opposing party in the anticipated litigation. But agencies aren't requested to let the person who requested the information know what happens.
Tom Kelley, a spokesman for the attorney general's office, said he thinks there is limited potential for state agencies to abuse the litigation exception because the records can only be withheld temporarily.
Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, working with Perry's office, has filed a bill that would create a governor-appointed ombudsman to investigate injuries and deaths and oversee the institutions known as state schools.
GA: Slap & 'This Ain't No Piccadilly,' Get Cobb Teacher Arrested
Tuesday, February 3, 2009 – updated: 4:37 pm EST February 3, 2009
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/18631495/detail.html
COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- Cobb County police said a teacher was arrested and resigned from the school district after she allegedly slapped a student’s arm for taking an extra piece of pizza.
Angela Franklin, a special education teacher at Fair Oaks Elementary School, was charged with simple battery after she allegedly slapped the 11-year-old special education student's arm and said, 'This ain't no Piccadilly.'
Franklin was previously investigated by the Memphis City Schools and suspended after she allegedly slapped a student across the face for not moving her desk when asked. Cobb County school officials said Franklin did not disclose the previous investigation or the fact she had received an unsatisfactory performance evaluation from that school system.
Franklin resigned her position Jan. 7 after the charges came to light. She had been employed by Fair Oaks since Aug. 2007.
Franklin was released on $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court March 13.
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/18631495/detail.html
COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- Cobb County police said a teacher was arrested and resigned from the school district after she allegedly slapped a student’s arm for taking an extra piece of pizza.
Angela Franklin, a special education teacher at Fair Oaks Elementary School, was charged with simple battery after she allegedly slapped the 11-year-old special education student's arm and said, 'This ain't no Piccadilly.'
Franklin was previously investigated by the Memphis City Schools and suspended after she allegedly slapped a student across the face for not moving her desk when asked. Cobb County school officials said Franklin did not disclose the previous investigation or the fact she had received an unsatisfactory performance evaluation from that school system.
Franklin resigned her position Jan. 7 after the charges came to light. She had been employed by Fair Oaks since Aug. 2007.
Franklin was released on $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court March 13.
IL: Boy, 10, Apparently Hung From Hook Dies
Boy Reportedly Found Hanging From Hook In Bathroom
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 – updated: 2:23 pm EST February 4, 2009
http://www.wsbtv.com/nationalnews/18640472/detail.html
EVANSTON, Ill. -- A 10-year-old Illinois boy has died after he was reportedly found hanging from a hook in his elementary school bathroom.
Officials at Oakton Elementary School in Evanston called 911 after finding fifth-grader Aquan Lewis unresponsive at about 3 p.m. Tuesday.
School janitor Elliott Lieteau said the boy had been pulled off a hook and was lying on the floor when he entered the restroom. He said he performed CPR on the boy.
Lewis was pronounced dead early Wednesday at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said Lewis was apparently found hanged.
Authorities have released few details about the incident.
But school district spokeswoman Patricia Markham called it an accident.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009 – updated: 2:23 pm EST February 4, 2009
http://www.wsbtv.com/nationalnews/18640472/detail.html
EVANSTON, Ill. -- A 10-year-old Illinois boy has died after he was reportedly found hanging from a hook in his elementary school bathroom.
Officials at Oakton Elementary School in Evanston called 911 after finding fifth-grader Aquan Lewis unresponsive at about 3 p.m. Tuesday.
School janitor Elliott Lieteau said the boy had been pulled off a hook and was lying on the floor when he entered the restroom. He said he performed CPR on the boy.
Lewis was pronounced dead early Wednesday at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said Lewis was apparently found hanged.
Authorities have released few details about the incident.
But school district spokeswoman Patricia Markham called it an accident.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
PA: State Supreme Court steps in
BY MICHAEL R. SISAK
STAFF WRITER
Published: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 8:45 AM EST
http://www.citizensvoice.com/articles/2009/02/03/news/wb_voice.20090203.t.pg4.cv03cdjudgesjuveniles_s1.2276820_top2.txt
The state Supreme Court will immediately review the cases of hundreds of young defendants who passed through the Luzerne County court system while Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. allegedly accepted payoffs to facilitate the development of a juvenile detention center, Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille said Monday.
“The court views this matter with grave concern,” Castille said in a statement.
Federal prosecutors charged Ciavarella, the former president judge, and Senior Judge Michael T. Conahan last Monday with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud, and accused them of collecting $2.6 million between January 2003 to April 2007 from the co-owner and developer of a juvenile detention center in Pittston Township and a similar facility in Butler County.
Under plea agreements, Ciavarella and Conahan must serve 87 months in federal prison and must resign their positions as judges within 10 days of their plea.
The Juvenile Law Center, a Philadelphia-based advocacy group, requested intervention from the state Supreme Court last Friday, two weeks after the court denied an earlier petition for relief. The Supreme Court did not elaborate on its denial.
In the original petition, filed last April, the Juvenile Law Center accused Ciavarella of ignoring rules of procedure and violating young defendants’ due process rights by running them through the system without legal representation.
In the revised filing, attorneys for the Juvenile Law Center asked the state Supreme Court to reconsider and amend the original application, “as this case is now about the wholesale subversion of the Luzerne County juvenile justice system over many years.”
“In light of the information revealed by the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the expanded petition filed by the Juvenile Law Center, we will exercise our King’s Bench and constitutional supervisory powers in this matter,” Castille said.
In exercising its King’s Bench and supervisory powers, the Court takes a case for immediate review and out of the normal channels of litigation in the lower courts, said Stuart Ditzen, a spokesman for the Administrative Office for Pennsylvania Courts. This occurs rarely and only when the Court sees a matter of immediate public importance at stake, he said.
Marsha Levick, the legal director of the Juvenile Law Center, applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to intervene.
“We are extremely pleased that the court is stepping in and that they recognized the extreme public importance of the issues that are at stake here,” Levick said.
Attorneys for the Juvenile Law Center filed the revised petition on behalf of all juveniles who were subjected to delinquency proceedings in Luzerne County between the beginning of 2003 and May 23, 2008, the day Ciavarella stepped aside from the juvenile court.
The state Supreme Court removed Ciavarella from all judicial duties last Wednesday and revoked Conahan’s certificate, barring him from serving as a senior judge.
According to the state Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission, 5,210 of the young defendants who appeared in Luzerne County Juvenile Court between 2003 and 2006 were deemed delinquent.
In 2006, the last year for which data is available, 1,101 defendants were deemed delinquent and 398 were placed in a secure juvenile detention facility.
In 2003, 778 of the 1,499 delinquent juveniles were placed in secure detention. In 2004, the rate was 914 of 1,369 and in 2005, 491 of 1,241.
“We look forward to finally achieving justice for the kids affected by this in Luzerne County,” Levick said.
msisak@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2061
STAFF WRITER
Published: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 8:45 AM EST
http://www.citizensvoice.com/articles/2009/02/03/news/wb_voice.20090203.t.pg4.cv03cdjudgesjuveniles_s1.2276820_top2.txt
The state Supreme Court will immediately review the cases of hundreds of young defendants who passed through the Luzerne County court system while Judge Mark A. Ciavarella Jr. allegedly accepted payoffs to facilitate the development of a juvenile detention center, Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille said Monday.
“The court views this matter with grave concern,” Castille said in a statement.
Federal prosecutors charged Ciavarella, the former president judge, and Senior Judge Michael T. Conahan last Monday with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud, and accused them of collecting $2.6 million between January 2003 to April 2007 from the co-owner and developer of a juvenile detention center in Pittston Township and a similar facility in Butler County.
Under plea agreements, Ciavarella and Conahan must serve 87 months in federal prison and must resign their positions as judges within 10 days of their plea.
The Juvenile Law Center, a Philadelphia-based advocacy group, requested intervention from the state Supreme Court last Friday, two weeks after the court denied an earlier petition for relief. The Supreme Court did not elaborate on its denial.
In the original petition, filed last April, the Juvenile Law Center accused Ciavarella of ignoring rules of procedure and violating young defendants’ due process rights by running them through the system without legal representation.
In the revised filing, attorneys for the Juvenile Law Center asked the state Supreme Court to reconsider and amend the original application, “as this case is now about the wholesale subversion of the Luzerne County juvenile justice system over many years.”
“In light of the information revealed by the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the expanded petition filed by the Juvenile Law Center, we will exercise our King’s Bench and constitutional supervisory powers in this matter,” Castille said.
In exercising its King’s Bench and supervisory powers, the Court takes a case for immediate review and out of the normal channels of litigation in the lower courts, said Stuart Ditzen, a spokesman for the Administrative Office for Pennsylvania Courts. This occurs rarely and only when the Court sees a matter of immediate public importance at stake, he said.
Marsha Levick, the legal director of the Juvenile Law Center, applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to intervene.
“We are extremely pleased that the court is stepping in and that they recognized the extreme public importance of the issues that are at stake here,” Levick said.
Attorneys for the Juvenile Law Center filed the revised petition on behalf of all juveniles who were subjected to delinquency proceedings in Luzerne County between the beginning of 2003 and May 23, 2008, the day Ciavarella stepped aside from the juvenile court.
The state Supreme Court removed Ciavarella from all judicial duties last Wednesday and revoked Conahan’s certificate, barring him from serving as a senior judge.
According to the state Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission, 5,210 of the young defendants who appeared in Luzerne County Juvenile Court between 2003 and 2006 were deemed delinquent.
In 2006, the last year for which data is available, 1,101 defendants were deemed delinquent and 398 were placed in a secure juvenile detention facility.
In 2003, 778 of the 1,499 delinquent juveniles were placed in secure detention. In 2004, the rate was 914 of 1,369 and in 2005, 491 of 1,241.
“We look forward to finally achieving justice for the kids affected by this in Luzerne County,” Levick said.
msisak@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2061
MI: Letter lays out abuse claims in case involving Washtenaw Intermediate School District student
Several other parents have said Beasley abused their children. Ann Arbor police have said that many of those allegations cannot be proved because the students' disabilities make communication difficult.
by David Jesse The Ann Arbor News
Tuesday February 03, 2009, 10:16 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/02/letter_lays_out_abuse_claims_i.html
Michigan - A Washtenaw Intermediate School District teacher wrote a letter in early December outlining 10 incidents in which she says teacher's aide Michael Beasley pushed a special education student out of his chair, bent his fingers back and slapped, swore at and pinched him, documents obtained by The Ann Arbor News show.
That letter was written after a parent asked the teacher, Amy Carns, about interaction between Beasley and his son.
It's not clear whether the incidents, which allegedly took place last fall, were initially reported to WISD administrators, or whether they were investigated.
WISD spokeswoman Gerri Allen said the district, as part of its ongoing probe into what happened in a special education classroom at Ann Arbor's Scarlett Middle School, is reviewing the letter and whether the allegations were reported and investigated. The WISD runs programs at local schools for students with moderate and severe disabilities.
Two administrators - Diane Zedan and Pat O'Connell - have been placed on paid leave during the investigation.
A separate but related investigation by Ann Arbor police led to two counts each of child abuse and assault against Beasley. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
Beasley's attorney, Doug Mullkoff, has not returned phone calls.
The issues bubbled to the surface when Carns, the classroom teacher, made a complaint about an aide pinching a child, on Oct. 30. Zedan investigated but concluded the allegation was not substantiated. Zedan did put the aide on a three-day unpaid disciplinary leave for not following the district's behavior management policy.
"The information from the various classroom staff did not agree. I concluded that the allegation was not substantiated," Zedan, the WISD's director of special education, wrote to the student's parents.
However, an attached report shows that Zedan spoke to only two staff members - the teacher who had witnessed the event and the aide who had been accused. The report includes no mention of interviewing a third staff member who allegedly witnessed the incident.
Zedan does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment. A message left for her with the WISD was not returned.
Carns told Zedan that during lunch on Oct. 30, Beasley, Carns and a teacher's aide named Kelli Hogue were sitting with their students in the cafeteria at Scarlett.
The student put his leg on Beasley's leg several times, and didn't stop when Beasley asked him to, Carns said.
"At that time, Michael refused assistance, and then right away reached his hand under the table and then (the student) screamed, 'Ouch, help' and began crying. I then immediately took him to the classroom and examined the area and there was a pinch mark with a bruise," Carns wrote in an incident report.
Beasley's description was different. He told Zedan the student was kicking him.
"At one point, (the student) slid out of his seat and Michael helped him back into his seat by supporting his back," Zedan's report reads. "Michael stated that he did not pinch (the student). (The student) was then taking trays back to the room. While going through the door, (the student) appeared to get stuck and said, 'Oh, oh, oh.'"
The parents were not satisfied with the WISD's handling of the case and met with Miller to express those concerns, parent Mike Hayes said. Other parents with students in the class also went to police with concerns that led to the charges.
Around the same time, Hayes asked Carns if his child had had any other run-ins with Beasley.
Carns wrote a letter, dated Dec. 4, 2008, citing those 10 other instances. Hogue also signed that letter.
Carns declined comment when contacted by a News reporter.
Allen said that letter was part of the information that led Assistant Superintendent Richard Leyshock to recommend to Miller on Dec. 8 that the investigation be reopened. Beasley was again placed on leave that day.
Several other parents have said Beasley abused their children. Ann Arbor police have said that many of those allegations cannot be proved because the students' disabilities make communication difficult.
David Jesse can be reached at djesse@... or at 734-994-6937. Join the discussion at blog.mlive.com/study_hall.
by David Jesse The Ann Arbor News
Tuesday February 03, 2009, 10:16 AM
http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/02/letter_lays_out_abuse_claims_i.html
Michigan - A Washtenaw Intermediate School District teacher wrote a letter in early December outlining 10 incidents in which she says teacher's aide Michael Beasley pushed a special education student out of his chair, bent his fingers back and slapped, swore at and pinched him, documents obtained by The Ann Arbor News show.
That letter was written after a parent asked the teacher, Amy Carns, about interaction between Beasley and his son.
It's not clear whether the incidents, which allegedly took place last fall, were initially reported to WISD administrators, or whether they were investigated.
WISD spokeswoman Gerri Allen said the district, as part of its ongoing probe into what happened in a special education classroom at Ann Arbor's Scarlett Middle School, is reviewing the letter and whether the allegations were reported and investigated. The WISD runs programs at local schools for students with moderate and severe disabilities.
Two administrators - Diane Zedan and Pat O'Connell - have been placed on paid leave during the investigation.
A separate but related investigation by Ann Arbor police led to two counts each of child abuse and assault against Beasley. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges.
Beasley's attorney, Doug Mullkoff, has not returned phone calls.
The issues bubbled to the surface when Carns, the classroom teacher, made a complaint about an aide pinching a child, on Oct. 30. Zedan investigated but concluded the allegation was not substantiated. Zedan did put the aide on a three-day unpaid disciplinary leave for not following the district's behavior management policy.
"The information from the various classroom staff did not agree. I concluded that the allegation was not substantiated," Zedan, the WISD's director of special education, wrote to the student's parents.
However, an attached report shows that Zedan spoke to only two staff members - the teacher who had witnessed the event and the aide who had been accused. The report includes no mention of interviewing a third staff member who allegedly witnessed the incident.
Zedan does not have a listed phone number and could not be reached for comment. A message left for her with the WISD was not returned.
Carns told Zedan that during lunch on Oct. 30, Beasley, Carns and a teacher's aide named Kelli Hogue were sitting with their students in the cafeteria at Scarlett.
The student put his leg on Beasley's leg several times, and didn't stop when Beasley asked him to, Carns said.
"At that time, Michael refused assistance, and then right away reached his hand under the table and then (the student) screamed, 'Ouch, help' and began crying. I then immediately took him to the classroom and examined the area and there was a pinch mark with a bruise," Carns wrote in an incident report.
Beasley's description was different. He told Zedan the student was kicking him.
"At one point, (the student) slid out of his seat and Michael helped him back into his seat by supporting his back," Zedan's report reads. "Michael stated that he did not pinch (the student). (The student) was then taking trays back to the room. While going through the door, (the student) appeared to get stuck and said, 'Oh, oh, oh.'"
The parents were not satisfied with the WISD's handling of the case and met with Miller to express those concerns, parent Mike Hayes said. Other parents with students in the class also went to police with concerns that led to the charges.
Around the same time, Hayes asked Carns if his child had had any other run-ins with Beasley.
Carns wrote a letter, dated Dec. 4, 2008, citing those 10 other instances. Hogue also signed that letter.
Carns declined comment when contacted by a News reporter.
Allen said that letter was part of the information that led Assistant Superintendent Richard Leyshock to recommend to Miller on Dec. 8 that the investigation be reopened. Beasley was again placed on leave that day.
Several other parents have said Beasley abused their children. Ann Arbor police have said that many of those allegations cannot be proved because the students' disabilities make communication difficult.
David Jesse can be reached at djesse@... or at 734-994-6937. Join the discussion at blog.mlive.com/study_hall.
Monday, February 2, 2009
FL: Special ed teacher faces termination today
Four other educators face suspension at a school board meeting.
By Topher Sanders
Story updated at 9:28 AM on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-02-03/story/special_ed_teacher_faces_termination_today
Duval County Public Schools wants to fire a special education elementary teacher who it says pinned a student against a wall while twisting his arm around his back and, later, locked him in a closet.
Deborah Bailey, a special education teacher at Chaffee Trail Elementary School, faces termination today when the School Board votes on the district's recommendation.
According to the district, on Nov. 18 Bailey pushed one of her special education students into a corner and trapped the student with a chair.
"You also held him on the floor while he screamed and cried for help and you twisted his arm," Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals wrote to Bailey in a Jan. 16 letter. "You subsequently locked the same student in a closet." It is unknown how long the student was in the closet.
Attempts to contact Bailey were unsuccessful.
The district is also recommending that four other Duval educators be suspended without pay for misconduct.
Patricia Noel, a sixth-grade teacher at Arlington Middle School, faces a 10-day suspension for "pulling a chair from beneath a student who was lying down watching a movie during class" on Oct. 30, according to district documents.
Noel also slapped a female student on the arm and directed the student to leave her classroom on Nov. 14 after the student refused to turn in a test, the district said.
Jacqueline Williams, a language arts teacher at Lake Shore Middle School, faces a five-day suspension for calling the office of Grand Park Alternative School and pretending to be the "mother of a student and giving permission for the student to ride the city bus home," according to the district.
Natalie Jackson, a paraprofessional at Terry Parker High School, faces a five-day suspension for throwing a phone book at a student.
Robert Harrison, a math teacher at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School, faces a five-day suspension for scratching the neck of a student he grabbed and bruising the hand of another student he grabbed by the arm, according to the district.
topher.sanders@jacksonville.com (904) 359-4169
By Topher Sanders
Story updated at 9:28 AM on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-02-03/story/special_ed_teacher_faces_termination_today
Duval County Public Schools wants to fire a special education elementary teacher who it says pinned a student against a wall while twisting his arm around his back and, later, locked him in a closet.
Deborah Bailey, a special education teacher at Chaffee Trail Elementary School, faces termination today when the School Board votes on the district's recommendation.
According to the district, on Nov. 18 Bailey pushed one of her special education students into a corner and trapped the student with a chair.
"You also held him on the floor while he screamed and cried for help and you twisted his arm," Superintendent Ed Pratt-Dannals wrote to Bailey in a Jan. 16 letter. "You subsequently locked the same student in a closet." It is unknown how long the student was in the closet.
Attempts to contact Bailey were unsuccessful.
The district is also recommending that four other Duval educators be suspended without pay for misconduct.
Patricia Noel, a sixth-grade teacher at Arlington Middle School, faces a 10-day suspension for "pulling a chair from beneath a student who was lying down watching a movie during class" on Oct. 30, according to district documents.
Noel also slapped a female student on the arm and directed the student to leave her classroom on Nov. 14 after the student refused to turn in a test, the district said.
Jacqueline Williams, a language arts teacher at Lake Shore Middle School, faces a five-day suspension for calling the office of Grand Park Alternative School and pretending to be the "mother of a student and giving permission for the student to ride the city bus home," according to the district.
Natalie Jackson, a paraprofessional at Terry Parker High School, faces a five-day suspension for throwing a phone book at a student.
Robert Harrison, a math teacher at Twin Lakes Academy Middle School, faces a five-day suspension for scratching the neck of a student he grabbed and bruising the hand of another student he grabbed by the arm, according to the district.
topher.sanders@jacksonville.com (904) 359-4169
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