Police Investigate Report of Slapped Student

KILGORE — A Kilgore ISD teacher accused of slapping an autistic child did so because she was surprised to have been slapped by the pre-kindergarten student, her attorney said Thursday. The 57-year-old teacher, who has not been identified, was placed on paid administrative leave after the Dec. 8 incident, the district said. She was not fired, as officials said Wednesday.

The allegations stemmed from a Kilgore Heights Elementary School trip to visit Santa Claus at the Kilgore Public Library. According to Superintendent Jody Clements, the 4-year-old student became upset and slapped the teacher, who slapped him back. Her attorney said she has been a teacher for at least 30 years and it was a defensive move. The teacher has been interviewed by Kilgore police.