The Guthrie Public Schools Board of Education met for 23 minutes in a special meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Following an executive session, they accepted the resignation of a Junior High teacher, who was charged last week with assault on a special needs student.
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The school board accepted the resignation of Patricia Catlin with a unanimous (7-0) vote. Board member Travis Sallee made the motion and was followed up with a second from member Tina Smedley.
Last week, the Logan County District Attorney’s Office filed a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery upon a 12-year-old special needs student. The incident was said to have happen in Jan. 21.
School officials, who did make any public comments due to the criminal investigation, says Catlin, 59, had been on paid administrative leave since the time of incident.
According to court papers, Catlin is said to have forcefully grabbed the student by his arms and jerking him in attempt to extract him from his desk while screaming at the non-verbal student to “use his words.”
Catlin, who worked for the school district for eight years, denied the allegations to School Resource Officer and Guthrie Police Department’s Sgt. Anthony Gibbs when questioned. Related story: Court papers: Teacher denies assault on special needs student
The district attorney says Catlin is expected to appear voluntarily before a district court judge on March 1 to be formally served with the charges.
If found guilty, Catlin could be punished up to one year in the county jail and/or a maximum $2,000 fine.
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