FRANKLIN, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) â Franklin Public Schools placed one of their teachers on administrative leave amid allegations that she abused a student. FOX25 was first to bring you this story Wednesday evening and Thursday, a former employee at the school is saying cases like this are common.
The Franklin special education teacher is on leave and under investigation after being accused of using improper restraints on a student at the Oak Elementary School.
FOX25 spoke with a woman who says she worked at the school where, according to her, kids were frequently restrained. She didn't want to be identified so, we'll call her Sally.
âThere were students coming in on a frequent basis for skin checks that were said to be due to restraints,â she said.
Sally went on to say, âThe school used restraints to, in different cases, when needed, to control children's behavior and it was said to be for safety."
She says it was her job to give kids what she said were "skin tests" and that almost all of them were from the special education classes.
âUsually there would be no marks on the child. In some cases the skin would be reddened or bruised,â she said.
Restraining students is allowed in public schools here in Massachusetts but the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has very strict rules on its use.
According to the department's website, only "trained personnelâ can restrain a student and they should "use only the amount of force necessary to protect the student or others from physical injury or harm."
There is no word on whether or not the teacher will face charges.
Cox Media Group
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