Attorneys are investigating claims that a special education teacher at Eastwood Elementary in Elkhart abused a student.
Lawyers for the parents of the child allege the teacher allegedly put the special needs student in a headlock and force-fed him.
Witnesses also told the Department of Child Services the teacher was verbally and physically abusive to that child and others.
The Goshen News reprts the Department of Child Services has been notified and the attorneys confirm they plan to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the student’s parents.
Elkhart Community Schools said in a statement they are aware of the situation and are conducting an internal investigation alongside DCS. They added that student wellbeing remains their top priority.
Elkhart Community Schools released the following statement on Thursday, March 27:
On March 7, 2025, Eastwood Elementary School Principal Brandon Cavanaugh was made aware of a concerning allegation involving a teacher. In accordance with district policy and state law, he promptly reported the matter to Child Protective Services and informed district-level administrators. Following established district protocols, the teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave, and ECS began an internal investigation in coordination with the Department of Child Services.
Since then, the teacher has resigned and is no longer employed by ECS. Our internal investigation remains ongoing, and once concluded, we will ensure that appropriate actions are taken in alignment with ECS board policies and all applicable laws.
We understand that situations like these are deeply concerning. Please know that we are committed to handling this matter with the utmost care and diligence. While we are unable to provide further details at this time due to the ongoing investigation and the confidentiality of student and personnel matters, we remain steadfast in our responsibility to our students and community.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we work to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all students at ECS.
