A teacher at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Randolph, Massachusetts, is on paid administrative leave for allegedly physically assaulting a student.
Andrea Cornelius of Mansfield pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault and battery and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Quincy District Court on Tuesday. She was released on personal recognizance bail under the condition that she not work with children.
Two women who live near Cornelius in Mansfield say she's a mom of three and special education teacher.
"She's a very nice lady, an extremely nice lady actually," said Kathy Drury.
The Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Anderson, says school officials are working with Randolph Police to ensure the allegation is being "investigated thoroughly."
"I just got basic information from the school that there was some type of incident," said parent Jim Hurley.
Hurley says the allegations don't have him concerned.
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The Superintendent also wouldn't say how old the child is, if they were hurt in the alleged assault, or if they've returned back to school. He would only say the child is doing fine and that the school is supporting the child and the child's family.
The Department of Children and Families released a statement saying, "The Department has received a report and is in the process of investigating."
Cornelius has no prior record and will be back in court on Aug. 12.
