Red Oak ISD

Parents sue P.E. teacher
JOEY DAUBEN
The Ellis County Press

RED OAK - Parents say one Shields Elementary teacher got too physical.

And because of it, the parents, who asked their names not be made public, filed a lawsuit with the Ellis County District Attorney's office after they said their child came home with bruises and purple marks - a result, they said, from a Shields physical education teacher.

The student has since been removed from the district, the parents said.

'I'm not at liberty to comment on the issue because it deals with a personnel matter, but I can tell you a lawsuit has been filed with the [District Attorney's office],' said Red Oak Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Kay Waggoner.

According to several parents and ROISD teachers, Shields Elementary P.E. teacher Shirley Velt-man has been the subject of numerous complaints by parents that she had been too rough with children, sometimes, according to the parents, 'jerking' them around and leaving noticeable marks on arms and legs.

Veltman, who could not be reached for comment, reportedly told fellow teachers at the school, located on Ovilla Road near Glenn Heights, she had been sued.

The incidents, according to the parents, have taken place since the middle of 2002, and if successful, Veltman will be sued for child endangerment, which is classified in some cases as a third degree felony.

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