Teacher Removed from Barbara Harvey K-8 Following Reported Classroom Incident Involving 4-Year-Old Student

A teacher at Barbara Harvey K-8 School in Parrish has been removed from the classroom while the School District of Manatee County investigates an incident involving a 4-year-old student.

According to district officials, other staff members reported concerns after witnessing a teacher allegedly drag a student by his feet across the classroom during nap time. The district stated that the teacher was immediately reassigned to duties with no student contact while the investigation proceeds.

The student’s mother, Briana Purington, reported that she was contacted by school leadership and later by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) regarding the incident. She said she was informed that her son, who has medical conditions affecting his colon and kidneys, was physically restrained by the teacher and suffered distress as a result.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that it has opened an investigation into the incident after it was brought to its attention. The agency said the case was not initially reported to law enforcement but was later referred for review.

In a statement, the school district emphasized that it takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and that staff members followed required reporting procedures. Officials said the school acted promptly once the incident was reported and that the teacher will remain reassigned until the investigation is complete.

DCF has not yet issued a public statement regarding the case. The investigation remains ongoing.