CALDWELL, Idaho — The Caldwell School District is responding to several alleged incidents of abuse over the last two months.
On February 23 at Van Buren Elementary, former contract behavioral interventionist, Jamie McInvallie, was charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery for allegedly grabbing two students on three occasions, and using physical contact to pull them off tables or out of cabinets.
These incidents happened on February 21 and February 22. The principal conducted an investigation with McInvaille and subsequently removed her building access and asked her to leave the premises. This incident was reported to the partnering agency, and her employment was immediately terminated.
Another incident happened within the same month on February 17 at Lincoln Elementary. School administrators informed the Caldwell Police School Resource Officer assigned to that school that they were concerned about several preschool-aged children being abused by their special education teacher, Kerry Black.
Black allegedly abused her students by hitting, spanking, and forcefully turning their heads. The abuse was witnessed by several aides (staff) assigned to the classroom between January 17, 2023, and February 10, 2023.
She was booked into the Ada County Jail and is charged with (5) counts of Injury to a Child and (5) counts of Battery.
Another incident happened just three weeks before at Syringa Middle School.
On January 26, 2023, a physical fight occurred at Syringa Middle School between two male students in a classroom taught by Ettson Arreola, a teacher's aide.
Shortly thereafter, two female students fought one another in the same classroom. Police say this also happened in the presence of Arreola.
During these incidents, Arreola allegedly encouraged the students to fight and even video-recorded the fight on an electronic device, which was later shared on social media.
Arreola was arrested without incident and charged with: (4) counts of injury to a child; (1) count of inciting a riot; and (4) violation of the juvenile corrections act, encouraging a minor to fight.
"It pains me to continue hearing about the behavior of people who are in positions of trust and leadership. The most vulnerable population of our children continue to fall victim at the hands of those who are expected to lead, guide, mentor, and protect," said Rex Ingram, Caldwell Chief of Police.
The Caldwell School District also commented on the arrests saying, "We are saddened and sorry for the wrongdoing. We have held individual meetings with each of the families, and we will continue to do so. We have made staffing changes as well. More importantly, we will hold ourselves accountable to provide a safe and joyful learning environment for our children."
As these investigations continue, the Caldwell School District is looking to evaluate oversight in all its programs.
If you are a Caldwell parent and have any first-hand experience or concerns about these issues, please contact our tipline at Crisisintheclassroom@idahonews.com
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