LAS VEGAS - Parents and other relatives of students have plenty to say about the West Prep Academy special education teacher who went from collecting homework to wearing handcuffs.
"As a parent, I think that's ridiculous," said parent Tymekka Pagan.
"If it was my little brother… I think I will take her to court," added parent Grisela Gonzales.
Police say 41-year-old Margaret Boyett abused her authority by abusing one of her students in front of others last month. According to court documents obtained by 8 News NOW, Boyett grabbed the wrist of a disabled student and used his own fist against him, hitting him as many as eight times. Police say Boyett was trying to make the child apologize for something.
"We take every complaint seriously. We want to make sure we are providing the best education that we can, and that students are safe within the school district," said Clark County School District Police Detective Mitch Maciszak.
Police say a teacher's assistant intervened to protect the child and reported the incident to police. Parents at West Prep Academy expressed shocked and anger.
"I think she should never be allowed to work around kids again honestly," Pagan said.
Some parents say school officials never informed them of Boyett's arrest.
"I think they should have made us aware, because our kids go here everyday," said Pagan. "I'm trying to put my daughter into this school, and she has ADHD."
"We didn't even know," added Gonzales. "We just bring my brother to school. He didn't tell us even. We just found out about this."
Efforts to reach the Clark County School District regarding the parents' complaints were unsuccessful.
Police believe the alleged abuse was an isolated incident. Boyett was removed from the classroom as soon as detectives began their investigation last month.
Margaret Boyett
