Mother Says Teacher Hit Student, No Legal Action Taken

A mother claims her child was hit in the head by a teacher at Prairie Hills Elementary school and that District 20 is trying to sweep it under the rug.

Sandra Anderson told KRDO Newschannel 13 the incident happened on March 1.

She said her daughter and two other students were talking. The teacher singled her daughter out and did not discipline the other students, said Anderson.

?When I picked up my daughter she proceeded to tell me she was struck on the top of the head by a teacher,? said Anderson.

Ms. Anderson immediately called the school and had a meeting with the principal who said the district had contacted police and the Department of Human Services.

District 20 released the following statement:

“Academy District 20 Administrative Policy GBEB state that staff is responsible for the education and safety of all students. Policy JKA prohibits physical punishment, according to a statement from D-20.

These policies were applied in the instance involving Sandra Anderson?s daughter.

The policy of the district is to involve law enforcement and DHS in matters where there are allegations against a teacher. Those investigations did occur and there were no findings that warranted any legal action against the teacher.”

Ms. Anderson said a police officer came to her home and said he talked with the teacher. She said the officer told her he didn’t arrest the teacher because she was upset and seemed sorry.

Ms. Anderson was given a Notification of Victim Rights paper which listed the case title as third-degree assault. She said she is not sure why no legal action was taken and why the school hasn’t done anything either.

?She should be suspended or put on administrative leave,? said Anderson.

She said the teacher is still in the classroom and it makes it difficult for her daughter to go to school.

“When I look at her heart as an 11-year-old, there are some bruises there. Students? look up to teachers, they’re role models,” said Anderson.

Ms. Anderson said she assumed the district would take action or at the very least apologize.

“The only resolution he (the superintendent) could give to me was ?Well, we’ll just promise the teacher will not work with your daughter anymore,?? said Anderson.