Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Donna Michaels (COLIN CORNEAU/BRANDON SUN)
The student who smacked a teacher over the head with a guitar has been suspended and may be expelled depending on the outcome of an investigation.
Brandon School Division Supt. Donna Michaels said it’s rare for students to assault a teacher.
"No, it’s not common at all. There are times when kids get frustrated, like everyone else," Michaels said. "It’s a really, really unfortunate incident and I’m concerned about the welfare of the teacher, and I’m concerned about the welfare of the student and the student’s family."
Michaels confirmed the general circumstances of Monday afternoon’s assault at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School, as previously described to the Brandon Sun by students.
A 16-year-old student struck a teacher in the head with a guitar during a disagreement. The guitar was in its case at the time, Michaels said.
On Wednesday, students told the Sun that the student involved was about to make a presentation but apparently got upset because she believed the teacher was taking too long to prepare the class.
She then started "freaking out" on the teacher, who told her to go to the school office. The girl walked away but, when the teacher followed, the student turned and hit him in the head with the guitar.
On Wednesday, the teacher involved directed questions to the Brandon Teachers’ Association, which then directed questions to Michaels.
On Thursday, Michaels didn’t have details about any injuries because the teacher has been on sick leave since the incident.
"He did have some injuries, but the extent of them we’re not sure of at this point of time," Michaels said, adding that officials aren’t aware of when the teacher will return to work.
As for the student, she said the school’s principal suspended her for the remainder of this week, at least.
A formal investigation is now underway, Michaels said, in accordance with the province’s new violence in the workplace regulations.
That investigation is being done by a committee that includes the school principal, a division workplace health and safety officer and a member of the Brandon Teachers’ Association.
The matter has also been forwarded to Michaels, who will now determine whether the suspension is of appropriate length. She’ll also decide whether she’ll recommend expulsion to the board of trustees.
Ultimately, the board has the final word on whether to expel. That decision would be made during a special in-camera, quasi-judicial hearing.
Michaels, however, will await completion of the investigation before she decides whether she’ll recommend expulsion to the board.
That decision will be based on the incident, the history of the student, the student code of conduct and any legislation.
Michaels said it’s up to the teacher to press any criminal charges and Brandon Police Service Const. Ron Burgess said the force hasn’t received a complaint.
» ihitchen@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition June 15, 2012
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The student who smacked a teacher over the head with a guitar has been suspended and may be expelled depending on the outcome of an investigation.
Brandon School Division Supt. Donna Michaels said it’s rare for students to assault a teacher.
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
The student who smacked a teacher over the head with a guitar has been suspended and may be expelled depending on the outcome of an investigation.
Brandon School Division Supt. Donna Michaels said it’s rare for students to assault a teacher.
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.