A Duval County Public Schools employee was arrested on Wednesday, charged with child abuse without great bodily harm. Lake Shore Middle School’s principal communicated with parents regarding the arrest of Tia Smith, a paraprofessional at the school. Smith was reportedly involved in a physical altercation with a student.
Despite the presumption of innocence, Smith has been reassigned to a position where she will have no contact with students. This measure will remain in place while both internal and external investigations are conducted.
The school district confirmed that Smith initially joined their employ in August 2023 but resigned for personal reasons. She was rehired in August 2024. According to the school’s website, Smith serves as a paraprofessional in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program.
Further details regarding the incident and Smith’s role at the school are currently being investigated. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
The Bottom Line
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a safe educational environment for students. The swift response by the school and the district underscores their commitment to student safety and due process. For parents, this may prompt a reassessment of school safety protocols and communication strategies. For the educational community, the situation serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced in maintaining discipline and security while respecting the rights and due process of all individuals involved.