WS/FCS pre-K teacher charged with misdemeanor assault on a child

A Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools pre-K teacher has been charged with misdemeanor assault on a child under 12, according to district officials. 

The Winston-Salem Police Department arrested Keziah Gibbons today following an investigation of an incident that occurred Sept. 24 at Old Town Elementary School. District officials say Gibbons was immediately put on paid leave and is currently suspended with pay pending the results of an internal investigation.

In a press release, Superintendent Tricia McManus said the district does not “condone the use of physical force against children.” 

“We are exploring what we must do to ensure that every teacher is supported and understands our policies and appropriate strategies for managing student behavior," McManus said in the release. 

The district did not describe the incident in detail. 

Officials say Gibbons worked as a teacher assistant at the Special Children’s School from 2018 until August when she became a teacher at Old Town. She has no prior disciplinary actions in the district. 

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.