LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A special education teacher at Oldham County High School was arrested Thursday on allegations she abused and harassed students in her classroom.
According to court documents, when a 15-year-old autistic student approached 26-year-old Jamison Woods to ask for a hug, she pulled aerosol cleaner out of a cabinet and sprayed it in his face, after telling him he had “nasty germs.”
Police said the boy initially laughed during the incident, which happened Jan. 28, but “became noticeably uncomfortable” after he was sprayed. He was wearing glasses, however, so none of the spray got in his eyes.
Two days later, in the same classroom, police said Woods threw a yoga ball at the heads of a 15-year-old mentally disabled student and a 14-year-old student with multiple disabilities.
“The ball hit both students in the head/face area multiple times, and neither demonstrated an interest in participating in the conduct,” police said in Woods’ arrest warrant.
All of the above incidents were witnessed by “at least one classroom aide,” police said.
“We were made aware of allegations involving a teacher at OCHS back in late January,” Oldham County Schools spokesperson Lori Webb said in a written statement Friday. “The teacher was immediately removed from the school and placed on leave while an investigation, led by OCPD, took place. The teacher has not been back on campus since the allegations were brought forward. We continue to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and are committed to the safety and well-being of our students, while respecting the privacy of those involved. Further questions on the investigation should be directed to the Oldham County Police Department.”
Woods turned herself in once she learned there was a warrant for her arrest, according to court documents. She’s charged with first-degree criminal abuse, second-degree official misconduct and two counts of harassment.
