Officials from the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office released news today saying a Clay County grand jury has determined no charges will be filed against a teacher accused of abuse at Cornerstone Elementary School in the Excelsior Springs School District.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office submitted the findings of its investigation to the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, which then presented it to a grand jury. The grand jury reviewed the evidence and issued a “no true” bill. A no true bill means that probable cause was not found by the grand jury to support a criminal charge.
As the Excelsior Citizen reported on May 12, 2022, the teacher had been accused of subjecting a student to inappropriate disciplinary measures including spraying the student with apple cider vinegar. After issuing a statement on May 2, 2022, saying they had completed “a thorough internal investigation” ESSD cleared the teacher to return to the classroom. The school district quickly reversed the decision after a press release issued on May 11, 2022, by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department revealed that there were multiple charges against the teacher still under investigation by their department.
The Sheriff’s Office investigation was in addition to and separate from the School District’s internal investigation and an investigation by the Missouri Children’s Division. The District determined their employee did not violate district policies, and the Children’s Division determined children were safe in the presence of the teacher. The Sheriff’s Office investigation focused on determining whether any criminal acts took place. The grand jury issued no criminal indictments. Clay County detectives conducted multiple interviews with teachers and staff, as well as parents. They reviewed and documented all available evidence to present to prosecutors and the grand jury. Both Clay County and Excelsior Springs School District officials emphasized their commitment to the safety of children and providing a safe learning environment for all students.
With the case now closed, ESSD has fully reinstated the teacher.
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