ASHLAND — A former Ashland City Schools employee is now facing a criminal charge after being terminated by the district on April 14.
According to the Ashland Police Division and Ashland Municipal Court, Brett Martin, 65, has been charged with misdemeanor assault. The charge stems from “confirmed misconduct” which occurred at Edison Elementary School during the school day on April 14, according to the district.
Martin was formerly employed by the district as a noon-duty paraprofessional/bus driver.
According to an Ashland police report, Martin “appeared to break up an argument” while performing his lunch duties. During the argument, the 65-year-old allegedly “slapped” an 8-year-old second grade student on the left side of their face, according to the report.
Following the alleged assault, the second grader covered their face and began crying, according to Ashland police.
“The defendant continued to scold the victim,” the report said.
The district has actively been collaborating with the Ashland Police Division to review video surveillance and conduct a thorough investigation.
Ashland City Schools Superintendent Steve Paramore told Ashland Source on Tuesday that Martin was fired the same day allegations were made against him “based off of evidence that APD had and video evidence that I had,” he said.
Paramore said he wants district families to know that all allegations are taken seriously.
“When something happens or when we become aware of it, we do our due diligence to investigate and if we need to make a move where those employees are not around students anymore, we do make that move — we’re decisive in that,” the superintendent said.
Martin was ordered to appear in Ashland County Municipal Court on Tuesday morning. According to court records, his arraignment and pre-trial hearing have been scheduled for May 5 at 1:15 p.m.
Allegations against second former Edison employee are separate, says district
Martin’s case is not to be confused with a second, unnamed former Edison Elementary School noon-duty paraprofessional/bus driver who was placed on paid administrative leave on April 16 following “allegations of misconduct,” according to a press release issued by the district Monday afternoon.
“The complaint came in at 6:52 p.m. … by 8:15 p.m. I had already placed the phone call to place that person on paid administrative leave,” Paramore said.
This resignation of this unnamed individual was accepted Sunday evening by the district.
Further details surrounding these allegations have yet to be released and are still under active investigation. Ashland police said there are currently no charges filed against the teacher who resigned.
“At this time, there is no ongoing risk to students and appropriate steps have been taken to maintain a safe school environment. Student and staff safety remains our highest priority,” the district said in its Monday press release.
“As part of our core value to ‘create a circle of safety,’ we will continue to take all concerns seriously and act decisively to uphold a safe and respectful school environment,” the district said.
