Poplar Bluff teacher on leave after abuse allegations

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A Poplar Bluff early childhood special education teacher has been on paid administrative leave since Oct. 10, following nonsexual abuse allegations, school officials said.

An investigation is being conducted by Poplar Bluff School District, children's division, and local law enforcement, said superintendent Chris Hon.

"We initiated the investigation because we saw something through our staff that didn't meet with our code of conduct on discipline [of students]," he said.

The employee in question met with Dr. Amy Jackson, associate superintendent of personnel, on Oct. 9 and was immediately placed on leave, Hon said.

"We're taking this very seriously," he continued.

Hon said no other details could be released about the child or the employee, to protect the privacy of those involved.