Updated 10/9/2024 12:00 a.m.
By SALINA POST
The Salina Police Department announced earlier this week that it has concluded its investigation into the incident that occurred in the weight room at Salina South Middle School. USD 305 continues its investigation.
The Salina South Middle School teacher who allegedly sat on a student in the school’s weight room is currently on administrative leave.
The USD 305 School Board voted during its Tuesday evening meeting on whether or not they should terminate Preston McCorkle's contract. The 39-year-old educator is allowed a hearing, where school board members will make their final decision. Board members directed McCorkle to recieve written notice of the board's decision.
Click the link above to view the 10/08/2024 Salina Public Schools BOE meeting
The Saline County Attorney previously announced that McCorkle will not face criminal charges in connection with the incident, deeming it “playful in nature” with no criminal intent.
The Salina Police Department has completed its investigation of an incident that occurred at South Middle School on September 6, 2024. It was reported a 13-year-old male student was bench pressing in the school weight room. When the student finished the exercise the teacher, a 39-year-old male, sat on him.
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By SALINA POST
The Salina Police Department has completed its investigation of an incident that occurred at South Middle School on September 6, 2024. It was reported a 13-year-old male student was bench pressing in the school weight room. When the student finished the exercise the teacher, a 39-year-old male, sat on him.
Shortly thereafter, the student passed out and rolled off the bench striking his head on a portion of the bench resulting in a cut to his head.
Upon completing interviews of all those present during the incident, the case was forwarded to Salina Municipal Court who requested the case be reviewed by the Saline County Attorney’s Office.
The Saline County Attorney declined prosecution based on all witness statements indicating they did not feel it met the threshold for filing criminal charges.
The County Attorney determined based on the prevailing witness opinions, that most felt the incident was playful. Therefore they could not establish criminal intent.
The district’s investigation is separate and wholly independent of the SPD. Jennifer Camien, communications director at USD 305 said the teacher reamins on administrative leave at this time and will remain so through final employment determination by the board.
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By SALINA POST
USD 305 and the Salina Police Department (SPD) are actively investigating a report of a student injury that occurred during class in a weight room at Salina South Middle School.
According to a statement issued by USD 305 Communications Director Jennifer Camien, "The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority. We are committed to conducting a thorough review."
Salina Public Schools (SPS) Human Resources is actively investigating the report. According to school officials the student received medical care under the supervision of parents/guardians.
"Due to privacy laws regarding personnel matters, there are things we cannot report publicly at this time," Camien said.
In accordance with district procedures, the teacher involved has been placed on administrative leave.
"We want the SPS community to know it is our goal to provide a safe environment. Student safety and education remain the district’s top priorities," a statement from USD 305 reads.
The Salina Police Department has been made aware the incident and officers are actively investigating to determine if any criminal acts were committed.
Salina Post was made aware of the incident after it received a news tip.
Salina Post will update this story as new information becomes availble