ARLINGTON, Texas — An Arlington ISD teacher who was under investigation for allegations of tying up students and covering their mouths with tape no longer works for the district, school officials confirmed on Friday.
According to a spokesperson for Arlington ISD, the district was investigating a concern that was reported on last week at Goodman Elementary School alleging some students were tied up with string and some had tape on their mouths.
“As soon as the allegation was reported, the district immediately began an investigation and placed the employee on leave,” the district said.
The district said parents of the affected students were contacted by district and campus administrators on Friday to make them aware of the allegations.
Magdalena Robles picks up her child’s son from school daily. Robles told WFAA they received a call from the school Friday evening, and the boy told them what allegedly happened to him.
“He said the teacher tied them up and taped their mouths because they were talking too much,” Robles said in Spanish during an interview with WFAA. “Can you imagine?”
Another parent who wished to remain anonymous told WFAA that her daughter came home crying Friday afternoon. Her daughter claimed the teacher threatened to “tie her up too” after the girl stood up and walked to the chalkboard for a closer look.
Arlington ISD, Arlington police, and Child Protective Services each conducted investigations into the matter.
In a statement sent to WFAA, the district said "None of the separate investigations or reviews found any evidence of physical harm to the students. The employee is no longer with the district."
The statement goes on to say that the district couldn't provide details about the teacher's departure.
"Arlington ISD respects the privacy of current and former employees and, as such, cannot provide details about their departure. We appreciate your understanding," the statement read.
Last week, Arlington PD had announced the teacher wouldn't face criminal charges, saying in a statement “…no children were injured, no child’s movements were ever restricted, no child’s breathing was restricted, and no criminal offense occurred.”
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