By Amber McIver-Traywick

The Surveyor

UPDATED Oct 24, 2019

The family of a first grader at Berthoud Elementary School say a substitute teacher grabbed and yanked their child’s arm during class last week.

The student told his classroom teacher that a substitute in the computer lab the class had just visited had yelled and grabbed his arm, leaving a mark. The teacher then responded by reporting the alleged misconduct to school officials and an investigation into the circumstances began.

The student’s parents, Mike and Erin Wilcox, said they were not told about the incident until Erin picked their child up from school at the end of the day.

The Public Information Office for the Thompson School District (TSD) Mike Hausmann said in an email that while the investigation into the situation is ongoing the substitute staff member will not be assigned any duty within the district. He also confirmed the substitute in question has never received any prior complaints or allegations against him. Hausmann continued by saying, “The Safety of all students, staff members and visitors is always the chief priority of the district. All allegations and incidents are treated with the utmost seriousness in a manner to help ensure accountability and fairness for all.”

According to Larimer County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer David Moore, the situation was investigated by police and, “we were not able to substantiate any criminal behavior and the case is closed.”

According to Hausmann, when TSD receives reports of any type of misconduct, as was alleged in this case, an investigation process is immediately begun and engages with other agencies as required by law. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 24 Hausmann said the school district is still completing their internal investigation into the matter.