An Ohio teacher and her classroom aide were proven guilty of bullying a special needs student, prompting the Miami Trace Local School District to agree to a lawsuit settlement. The incidents occurred in April and were caught on tape. According to the school district, teacher Christie Wilt and aide Kelly Chaffins engaged in conduct unbecoming to the teaching progression.
Here are some facts about the Fayette County school incident and lawsuit:
* A 14-year-old female special needs students complained to her mother that she was being tormented at school by her teacher and a classroom aide. The mother and her boyfriend met with Wilt to discuss the issue and Wilt was caught on tape stating the couple were “liars raising a liar.”
* Roberts initiated an investigation but reported he found no inappropriate actions or conduct by either Chaffins or Wilt. The superintendent stated in an email correspondence that the family’s allegations bordered on slander and harassment.
* The mother of the special needs student hid a tape recording device in her backpack to garner proof about classroom happenings. Conversations on the recordings include statements Chaffins made to the student, calling her a liar when the girl said she did not know the answer to a question and asking, “Are you that damn dumb?” In the same recording the classroom aide also tells the girl that it is no wonder she does not have any friends and tells her that no one likes her.
* During another recorded session, Wilt and Chaffins are heard ridiculing the students about her body size and asking her if she wants to do some “about that bell?” The special education students answers yes, but the teasing continues with the aide stating she does not believe her because she spends her time at home sitting around and watching television.
* The child is forced to get on the treadmill and exercise after answering a question incorrectly. The exercise equipment was in the classroom to “refocus” the special education students, according to school officials. During a lengthy recorded segment the student is forced to exercise on the machine for more than 15 minutes with increasing speed. When the treadmill breaks the teachers instruct the student to run in place.
* District officials requested and received Chaffins resignation but did not seek termination or suspension for Wilts, who was in charge of the classroom. Wilts was essentially placed on probation and is required to attend eight hours of classes which teacher her how to stop bullying and recognize child abuse. If Wilt does not complete the required training by June 2012, she will be suspended.
* After proof of the child’s allegations were given to Roberts, he stated publicly the district was “distressed” by what was on the audio recordings. The school district agreed to a $300,000 lawsuit with the family. The school administration sent a report about the incident to the Ohio Department of Education of Professional Conduct for review and possibly disciplinary findings.
* Chaffins earned a salary of $16,132 per year. Wilt will continue making $41,292 annually.