Mother Accuses Aid Worker of Abusing Disabled 11-Year-Old in Floyd County; Investigation Underway

Heather Burgess mentioned that her 11-year-old son, who has autism and doesn’t talk, returned home from school on Friday with bruising on his chest and arm.

The mother from Floyd County contacted his teacher at Betsy Lane Elementary, whereupon the teacher mentioned that the school authorities would look into the matter, Burgess informed the Herald-LeADER late Tuesday evening.

By Monday afternoon, according to Burgess, the school staff informed her that the footage from the school’s security cameras revealed that a classroom assistant had been overly forceful with both her child and another student. The aide was reportedly heard cursing at her child before pushing them down onto a bench.

Burgess shared an image on Facebook showing her son with bruising on his chest, as she stated.

Another parent mentioned in a Facebook post that her non-verbal seven-year-old son, who was also part of the same class, was treated roughly by the assistant. The mother has not yet responded to an initial message sent by the Herald-Leader.

On late Tuesday afternoon, Floyd County School Superintendent Tonya Horne Williams published a statement on Facebook indicating that law enforcement has initiated an inquiry.

"The leadership at Betsy Layne Elementary has learned about allegations regarding one of their employees. Consequently, the school district is fully cooperating with both the Kentucky State Police and the Department for Community Based Services (Protection and Permanency) to facilitate a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry," stated Williams.

Floyd County Schools continues to show strong dedication to tackling this issue with great care and openness.

Williams stated that the district maintains "no tolerance" towards any behaviors that jeopardize the safety, dignity, or welfare of both students and employees.

I detest that my son had to go through everything he did," Burgess stated. "And I dread thinking about whatever else might be happening in private.