JACKSON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — A teacher’s aide in Jackson County, West Virginia, is no longer employed by the school district after allegations of her slamming a student into a seat led to her being charged with battery.

According to a criminal complaint, an investigation into Nichole Lupardus, 42, of Sandyville, a now-former Ripley Elementary Learning Center teacher’s aide, started on April 15.

A video given to law enforcement showed Lapardus dragging a 5-year-old student, picking them up and “forcefully” putting them in a seat in the lunchroom, the criminal complaint said.

While no potential injuries have been reported, according to the criminal complaint, the incident “could have [caused] injury to the child.”

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In a statement, Jackson County Superintendent William Hosaflook said, “Since April 16, 2024, Ms. Lupardus has not been employed by Jackson County Schools. With all personnel matters, my comments must be limited. However, I can say that our annual training requirements for employees are in place for this very reason – to protect our children.”

Lupardus is being charged with battery, the criminal complaint said.

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