Pasco school district investigates parent allegation

WESLEY CHAPEL — The Pasco school district removed two Seven Oaks Elementary School employees from the classroom Friday during an investigation into a parent accusation regarding what officials deemed "classroom management." District officials and Pasco Sheriff's Office deputies spent much of the day at the school interviewing students and employees regarding the allegations, about which neither agency would offer specifics. "We are trying to find out what exactly is going on," assistant superintendent Renalia DuBose said.

They jumped into action after receiving word from a Tampa Tribune reporter that a parent was alleging that a substitute teacher had put tape over the mouths of first-grade children who were talking when they were supposed to be reading. Neither DuBose nor sheriff's spokesman Doug Tobin would comment on the details of their investigation. DuBose said the district would provide support, including counseling, to students "throughout this situation."