COVENTRY TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Crystal Taylor of Barberton said she received a report from a Summit County Children Services case worker on Feb. 11 that said her 6-year-old son, who has autism, was allegedly abused by an teacher at Coventry Elementary School.
Taylor said she wasn't told the exact date of the alleged incident, but was stunned by the details given to her by the case worker.
“I was told my son was tied to a chair, with a belt and also locked in a bathroom, with the lights shut-off."
“That someone could do this to my son, but to any kid period. He’s only six, he doesn’t know what’s going on.”
“It made me sick to my stomach.”
Coventry Schools Superintendent, Lisa A. Blough, confirmed the ongoing investigation involving her school district, Summit County Children Services and local law enforcement.
The Superintendent issued the following statement:
"The Coventry Local School District has relieved a teaching employee from duties, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of misconduct, involving the performance of her duties.
In addition to the District’s investigation, Summit County Children’s Services, and local law enforcement are also conducting investigations into the situation.
As the District Superintendent, I have been in contact with the local authorities and will continue to fully cooperate in any way that I can regarding this matter.
Due to the nature of this situation, the ongoing investigations, and privacy protections mandated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, I can provide no further details or comments at this time."
Taylor told News 5 she has now taken her son out of Coventry Elementary and said she was disappointed the district didn't reach out to her about the alleged incident until after she removed her son from the school.
She said the case worker told her other students and staff were in the classroom when the incident allegedly took place.
A situation she says has left her son traumatized, in need of counseling and has the Summit County Sheriff's Department asking some serious questions.
“Instantly I was angry. I was upset because I was unaware, I was uninformed,” Taylor said.
“It just hurt my soul, it really hurt my feelings.”
"He’s my heart, he’s my miracle baby."
