Substitute Teacher Accused of Kicking Student With Disabilities, Then Saying “Now We’re Square”

A 60-year-old substitute teacher in Florida has been arrested after allegedly kicking a student with disabilities in the leg and telling a colleague that they were “square” after the incident, according to authorities.

Bryan Schewitz, of Flagler Beach, was working at Matanzas High School in Flagler County when the alleged incident occurred on October 16. According to an arrest affidavit, the school’s assistant principal notified a school resource deputy after learning that Schewitz had allegedly kicked the student during a classroom behavioral episode.

Witnesses told investigators that Schewitz used force to move the student into a chair before pressing the child’s hands onto a table and warning, “The gloves are off.” One witness said the teacher had previously been too rough with students and that his behavior during the incident made her uncomfortable.

Another school employee reportedly witnessed Schewitz kick the student in the leg and later noticed a large mark on the child’s leg. When questioned about the injury, Schewitz allegedly replied, “He kicked me and I kicked him. So now we’re square.” The student also reportedly told school officials that Schewitz had kicked him. The child’s mother later contacted deputies, stating that skin was missing from the injured area.

During questioning, Schewitz offered a different account. He told investigators that the student had arrived late, refused to sit down or begin classwork, and kicked him in the leg. Schewitz claimed he extended his foot to block the student and accidentally kicked him in return. He acknowledged using physical force to seat the child but maintained that the contact was unintentional.

Investigators also learned that Schewitz had not received proper district training for the redirection techniques he described using with the student. The district’s lead behavior specialist reportedly confirmed that he lacked the appropriate training, while Schewitz acknowledged that he was not certified to apply those techniques in the county.

Schewitz was arrested and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm. He was booked into the Flagler County Jail and subsequently released after posting a $2,500 bond. Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized that adults responsible for children, particularly those with disabilities, must remain calm and never strike a student out of anger or frustration. The case remains subject to the legal process.

Source: Law&Crime