Pennsylvania school employee accused of taping 1st graders mouths shut

MONROE COUNTY, Pa. (WBRE/WYOU) — An investigation is underway after a Pennsylvania school staff member taped the mouths of 1st grade students during lunch, according to district officials.

Stroudsburg Area Superintendent Dr. Cosmas Curry has told Nexstar’s WBRE that the district is investigating an incident where 1st grade students were found with tape on their mouths.

According to a letter from Hamilton Elementary School Principal Mark Getz, on April 9, some students were seen to have blue painter’s tape on their mouths that was placed there by a staff member during lunch.

School officials say no student was injured during the incident, and Dr. Curry states the staff member was identified and has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We are not certain to the exact number of students at this time but one is too many. The investigation will clear up why the staff member did this.

This behavior is not condoned nor directed. It is unacceptable at all levels. It will be handled speedily and equitably following all policies and applicable laws.”
Superintendent Dr. Curry

The investigation is ongoing.