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Observer Staff and NewsChannel 36
An Anson Senior High School teacher suspended for allegedly striking a student during a June confrontation in the school parking lot is appealing the school system’s action, her attorney says.
Joshua Van Kampen is representing teacher Pat Frost, who faces disciplinary action in connection with the June 5 incident.
Anson Schools Superintendent Gregory Firn announced last week that Frost, an Army veteran who taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at Anson Senior High, had been suspended without pay. School officials had conducted an investigation during the summer, and Firn said, “Following that investigation and a complete review of all circumstances, Ms. Frost has now been suspended without pay, effective August 30, 2012.”
The incident happened June 5. Frost says she told student Johnathan Smith to pull up his baggy pants, and the two got into an argument. At some point during the confrontation, there was a physical exchange.
Frost told NewsChannel 36, the Observer’s news partner, “He made contact with me. I can’t really remember exactly. I pushed him back to keep him away, and at that point, he came around and slugged me on the side of the head.”
Smith and Frost have filed assault charges against each other.
Van Kampen contends the school system is preparing to fire Frost, but he says the teacher was defending herself.
As part of their argument, Van Kampen and Smith said they have learned since the confrontation that Smith faces charges of sexual battery, kidnapping and assault.
Smith has said he was struck by the teacher first.
Van Kampen told reporters that Anson School officials have declined to let him see surveillance video of the parking lot incident.
