A special education teacher from Rolesville High School in Wake County, North Carolina, has been arrested and is facing a criminal charge. The charge stems from an allegation that she assaulted a student with a disability on school grounds.
Jodi Catt, 56, was taken into custody on Monday and charged with misdemeanor assault. According to official records, the incident involved kicking a student. The school district has suspended her pending the outcome of a formal investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Jodi Catt, a 56-year-old special education teacher at Rolesville High School, was arrested on Monday.
- She is charged with misdemeanor assault on a student with a disability.
- The arrest record alleges Catt kicked a student who was sitting on the floor.
- The Wake County Public School System has suspended Catt as the investigation proceeds.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Official arrest records from Wake County outline the basis for the charge against Jodi Catt. The documents state that the 56-year-old teacher is accused of kicking a student. The alleged incident reportedly occurred while the student was seated on the floor.
Following the report, law enforcement initiated an investigation, which led to her arrest this week. The charge filed is misdemeanor assault, a serious accusation, particularly given the context of a special education environment. The case will now move through the North Carolina court system.
Understanding Misdemeanor Assault in North Carolina
In North Carolina, a simple assault is typically classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, if the assault is on a child under 12 years of age or a student by a school employee, the legal implications can be more severe. Convictions can carry penalties including fines, probation, and potential jail time, depending on the specifics of the case and any prior record.
School District's Official Response
In response to the arrest, the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) took immediate action. A spokesperson for the district confirmed that Jodi Catt has been suspended from her teaching position at Rolesville High School. This is standard procedure in such cases to ensure student safety while an investigation is active.
The suspension will remain in effect as both law enforcement and the school district conduct their respective inquiries. School districts typically have strict codes of conduct for employees, especially those entrusted with the care of vulnerable students.
A district-level investigation will likely run parallel to the criminal case. This internal review will determine if district policies were violated and will decide Catt's future employment status with the school system, regardless of the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
The Role and Responsibilities in Special Education
Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. Their role is highly specialized and requires extensive training in creating a safe, supportive, and adaptive learning environment. The trust placed in these educators by parents and the community is immense.
Allegations of physical assault in a special education setting are viewed with particular gravity. Students with disabilities may be non-verbal or have difficulty communicating, making them an especially vulnerable population. School districts and state licensing boards have stringent regulations in place to protect these students from harm.
Facts About Special Education
- Approximately 15% of all public school students in the United States receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Teachers in this field must often complete specialized certification programs focused on behavior management, de-escalation techniques, and individualized instruction.
- The goal of special education is to provide students with the resources and support needed to access a quality education tailored to their unique needs.
Next Steps in the Investigation
With Jodi Catt's arrest, the case enters a new phase. The criminal justice process will involve court appearances, where evidence will be presented by the prosecution. Catt will have the opportunity to present a defense through her legal counsel.
Simultaneously, the Wake County Public School System will continue its internal review. This process is administrative and separate from the criminal case. It will focus on adherence to the employee code of conduct and state education standards. The findings will determine her long-term employment with the district.
Community members and parents at Rolesville High School are awaiting further information from officials. School administrators often work to reassure families about student safety protocols in the wake of such an incident, though specifics of an ongoing personnel investigation are rarely shared publicly to protect the integrity of the process.
