Outrage in Georgia: School Counselor Exposes Special Needs Teacher’s Abuse, Leaving Parents Demanding Answers
Leesburg, Georgia — In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a special-needs teacher at Kinchafoonee Primary School in Leesburg, Georgia, stands accused of physically abusing a vulnerable student. The alleged mistreatment, captured on security footage, has left parents outraged and demanding answers.
The Incident
On Friday, April 12, 39-year-old Ashton Long Cleveland, a teacher responsible for the well-being of special-needs students, was observed engaging in disturbing behavior. A school counselor, who witnessed the interaction, promptly reported the incident to the school’s principal. The chilling scene unfolded as Cleveland dragged the student by her legs across the classroom floor, pushed her, and even placed her foot on the child’s body. The security footage, a damning record of the teacher’s actions, has become the focal point of an ongoing investigation.
According to a police report obtained by local news outlets, the sequence of events unfolded as follows: “Mrs. Cleveland grabbed [the student] from the back and pushed her, causing [the student] to fall onto the floor,” the report stated. “Minutes later, [the student] was seen lying on the floor, and Mrs. Cleveland walked up from behind, placing her right foot on the center of [the student’s] back. She then lifted upward, exerting her weight on the child’s back.” The gravity of these actions cannot be overstated.
Criminal Charges
Ashton Long Cleveland now faces the consequences of her alleged cruelty. She has been charged with three felony counts of child cruelty. Authorities wasted no time in arresting her, although she was later released on bond. The school district swiftly placed her on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Parental Outrage
Parents of students attending Kinchafoonee Primary School expressed their shock and anger. One parent, visibly emotional, spoke out: “These babies need help, and you betray their trust by abusing them? You don’t expect your child to go to school to be mistreated; you expect them to learn. How many times did this happen? How often did this teacher inflict harm on our children?”
The emotional toll on the students is immeasurable. Many now dread going to school, their safe haven turned into a place of fear. These young voices remain silent, unable to articulate the pain they endure. “The kids don’t want to go to school because of this,” another parent lamented. “And you think they just don’t want to go to school because they’re being difficult? No, it’s something happening in their class that they can’t verbally express. Those who abuse these children are sick, knowing that their victims cannot speak up.”
A Separate Incident
Adding to the distress, another incident involving Cleveland came to light during the same week. She is accused of kicking a different child while sitting down. The Lee County School district, in a statement, emphasized the safety of their students: “The district takes these types of offenses very seriously. As always, we are fully cooperating with law enforcement. The safety and well-being of our students are our highest priority, and the school system will continue to follow all safety policies and procedures. No further information can be shared at this time as this is an active investigation.”
The Leesburg community grapples with shock, anger, and a collective demand for justice. As the investigation unfolds, parents and educators alike hope for swift accountability and a renewed commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us.
On a personal note: As a member of this community, I am deeply concerned about the recent incidents of abuse and neglect in our schools. Our children are our most valuable asset, and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. It’s unconscionable that we’ve failed to protect them in the very places where they should feel most secure. As a society, we must come together to demand better from our schools and from ourselves. We must create a culture of vigilance, where every teacher, administrator, and parent is empowered to speak up and take action when they see something that doesn’t feel right.
