UPDATE: A Millard County special education teacher, 56-year-old Melissa Diane Davis, has been arrested following allegations of child abuse involving an 8-year-old student. The incident reportedly occurred at Fillmore Elementary School and has sparked urgent concern among parents and officials.
Authorities confirm that Davis faces a third-degree felony charge for abuse of a child with a disability after a disturbing video emerged, showing her striking the child multiple times. The footage captured blows landing on the student’s arm, torso, and potentially the head.
Witnesses report that the nonverbal student, who has multiple disabilities, was struck after allegedly hitting Davis on the arm. One witness recalled Davis warning the child, “if he hit her, she would hit him back.” Moreover, the affidavit notes that another observer witnessed multiple instances of Davis hitting the student prior to the recorded incident.
The Millard School District acted swiftly, terminating Davis’s employment immediately after the allegations surfaced. A spokesperson emphasized that the safety and well-being of students are of paramount importance and confirmed that law enforcement has been notified and is conducting an investigation into the matter.
As reported by KUTV and FOX 13, the district is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. They have reiterated the importance of ongoing training for staff in special education settings, where educators work with some of the most vulnerable students.
This alarming incident raises critical questions about the treatment and supervision of students with disabilities in educational settings. The Millard School District has pledged to review and strengthen its procedures and staff training to foster a safe educational atmosphere for all students.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
