The Adams 14 school district has banned one of its school board members from classrooms while the district investigates an allegation that he grabbed a student by the arm during a school visit.
“No director on the board is above the board’s policies, and to preserve the public trust, it is the desire of the board to operate under the highest ethical standards,” a district statement about its move reads.
Board member Bill Hyde was reportedly visiting Monaco Elementary School on Jan. 24 when he “allegedly grabbed the arm of a student,” according to a district statement and a letter sent home to parents earlier this week.
No other details about the incident have been released. School officials said in the letter to parents that they immediately contacted the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
Sgt. Paul Gregory, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office, said the agency is not pressing charges against Hyde. A report of the incident has not yet been made available.
Hyde on Friday said the incident happened when he was visiting the classroom where his wife was substitute teaching. He called the allegations “without merit.”
“At all times my wife and I have acted with the students’ best interest and safety and welfare in mind,” Hyde said.
The district has hired an independent investigator to look into the matter.
“The investigation is ongoing, and no determination of wrongdoing by Dr. Hyde has been made,” the district’s statement reads. “The board respects the independence and integrity of the investigation and will await its conclusion before considering any action regarding Dr. Hyde.”
Hyde said he understands the district’s need to investigate, and said he hopes the issue is resolved quickly.
This story has been updated with comment from board member Bill Hyde.