BELMONT, N.C.—A Gaston County Elementary School teacher has been suspended with pay pending an internal investigation after an incident involving a possible assault, a spokesperson for the district said Thursday morning.
Gaston County Schools spokesperson Bonnie Reidy says teacher Binta Barringer is suspended with pay while the Human Resources Department investigates.
“It is normal procedure for a teacher to be suspended with pay when allegations are made,” said Reidy.
Reidy would not comment on the details of the investigation, saying it was a personnel matter.
However, Gaston County Police Sergeant Steve Dover confirmed an assault investigation is being performed by one of his officers. He says the complaint came from a parent of one of the students at the school, but did not provide further details.
Sgt. Dover said neither the teacher nor the parent have been interviewed by investigators. The Gaston County Police Department plans to conduct interviews within the next two days. After that, Dover says officers will meet with the District Attorney’s office to determine whether charges will be filed.
Reidy says Barringer makes $49,080 per year.
