Story Created: Apr 30, 2009 at 9:42 PM MDT
Story Updated: May 1, 2009 at 11:25 AM MDT
Thursday night, in hopes of getting the Chief Joseph teacher back in the classroom, parents and students met to form a game plane. But district officials say the students may have a substitute teacher a little longer until the investigation over the alleged incident is final.
"My son has spent over a week now without having any idea what's happened to his teacher," said Eric Schrader, a parent with a 5th grader at Chief Joseph Elementary School.
Parents say the Chief Joseph teacher is accused of getting into a verbal and physical confrontation with a student on the playground last week.
"I was pretty freaked out because I thought my teacher didn't do anything wrong," said Bucky Schrader, a 5th grader at the school.
The parents say the district simply has chosen to place the teacher on paid leave without talking to their kids, many who witnessed the alleged incident.
But when asked if the district has questioned any students, the district spokesman responded by saying: "At this point I know that 10 to 12 witnesses have been spoken to, does that mean we are done with that process? Not necessarily," said Eric Exline.
Exline says they can't talk about the allegations because they're investigating.
"What we are doing is protecting that employee, we are protecting his reputation, we are protecting his rights," he said.
While he understands the parents and kids frustration, Exline says the district has to follow a protocol.
But the parents say they can't sit by and do nothing.
"We want answers, even if there the ones that we might not want to hear at least we know that they are listening to us," said Melissa Maxey, one of the student's mom.
Parents have decided to organize several silent sit-ins at both the school and the district headquarters on Monday.
They also plan to print up T-shirts in support of the teacher.
The teacher's attorney, Elisa Massoth, says right now her client has no comment.
Exline says they have not been able to talk with the teacher yet as part of the investigation because the teacher's attorney has not allowed it.
Most Popular
- Check this out! Hot air balloon lands in Boise River
- Wash. woman target of acid attack had just moved from Idaho
- BSU unveils new uniforms
- Boise Marine killed was 'a true hero'
- Photos: Swimsuits and gowns at Miss Universe
- Did son kill parents over $500 in rent money?
- Photo Gallery: Firefighting aircraft in action
- Three people killed in Idaho Fish and Game helicopter crash
- Prosecutors: Teacher faked being teen for online sex chats
- Nampa woman, repairman clash over bill
Related Content