A school bus altercation at William T. Dwyer High School has led to the arrest of a school employee, Shaundra Smith, after an incident involving a student. According to the School District of Palm Beach County Police Department, officers responded to a call at the school around 2:50 p.m. Tuesday due to a disruptive student on a bus. A confrontation between Smith, a non-instructional staff member, and the student escalated to physical violence.
Arrest affidavits describe Smith as initially acting in self-defense. However, the situation took a turn, and with the student’s arms restrained by officers, Smith allegedly elevated herself on a bus seat and punched the student in the face. CBS12 reported that an officer had to intervene to stop the assault after Smith struck the student additional two times.
The student was checked for injuries following the incident and was found to have a cut lip and an abrasion on her collarbone. A subsequent arrest report indicated that Smith's actions went from defense to "intentional and unnecessary infliction of physical injury upon a child." Smith, 49, has been charged with child abuse without great bodily harm. WPBF 25 News shared that Smith was released from the Palm Beach County Jail on a $10,000 bond and ordered not to have contact with the student, the student's family, or Palm Beach County School District property during a court hearing.
After the confrontation gained attention, including a circulated video on social media, Dwyer High School issued a statement to families and staff regarding the incident. In a message obtained by WPBF 25 News, Principal Corey Brooks wrote, "Ms. Smith was charged with cruelty toward a child (abuse without great bodily harm). Ms. Smith has been removed from our campus and will not return, pending the outcome of an investigation. The safety and well-being of our students is our absolute highest priority." The high school has requested that anyone with relevant information contact the School Police Department at 561-434-8700.
Community reactions are mixed; while some parents are defending the employee, others express shock and distress over the violence involving an adult and a student. Sophomore Daphne Arntz told CBS12, "You kind of see her hitting the kid. I was really in disbelief. I wouldn't expect that from an adult."
