ADAMS TOWNSHIP — Clinton-Massie fired an educational aide Friday for allegedly slapping a student with special needs in the face.

The school district administration recently learned of the incident between the educational aide — a position now often called paraprofessionals — and the student, according to Clinton-Massie Local Schools Superintendent Matt Baker.

“The incident involved an open hand slap to the face,” Baker stated.

The fired aide is Sandra Pratt. She was hired by Clinton-Massie schools nearly 30 years ago in 1989.

“The Board of Education takes the safety of our students very seriously and misconduct such as this employee’s abhorrent behavior will not be tolerated, as evidenced by the board’s adoption of the termination resolution on [Friday] Oct. 19,” the superintendent stated Friday after a specially called meeting of the school board to terminate the employment of a public employee.

The board members’ vote was 4-0, with one member absent.

“This matter was swiftly investigated and the district took immediate action to terminate the employment of this employee,” stated Baker.

School district administration has referred the matter to law enforcement and child protective services as well.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.