A Jacksonville mother says one after-school conversation with her 10-year-old son was enough to send her straight into alarm mode. Her son told her that a P.E. coach at IDEA River Bluff touched a young girl’s chest, and that he came home "a little traumatized" after what he witnessed. IDEA Public Schools has confirmed that a staff member at the River Bluff campus is under investigation and is not allowed on campus while the probe plays out. The mother, who asked to be identified only as "Bella," is now urging other parents to talk with their kids and push school leaders for clear answers.
School confirms investigation
In a statement to Action News Jax, IDEA Public Schools said, "The staff member is not allowed on campus pending the investigation. We are working in collaboration with law enforcement and taking appropriate actions in accordance with the law and network policy." The network added that it cannot comment further because the matter is still under investigation. School officials told the station that any questions about the case should go to local law enforcement.
Parent says student was discouraged from reporting
Bella told Action News Jax that her son "came in a little traumatized" after reporting the incident last Thursday. According to her, when he tried to tell another teacher what he had seen, he was told to "shut up and not to say anything." She said the situation "wasn't right" and left her deeply worried about the safety of other children at the school. Bella is urging parents to ask very specific questions about their kids’ school day and any interactions with staff.
Previous arrests at the school stoke concern
The latest complaint has revived community scrutiny of IDEA River Bluff after a series of high-profile cases in recent months. In July 2025, former dean James Tellis was arrested on charges that included sexual battery, as reported by Jacksonville Today. And in May 2025, a kindergarten teacher at the same campus faced child-abuse charges, according to News4Jax. Parents say those earlier arrests add to a sense that the campus has had repeated safety problems and have left some families wary of sending their children back without more information.
What parents should know
The River Bluff campus is listed on IDEA Public Schools’ site at 2354 University Blvd N, where the network also posts contact details for families seeking information. Parents who want to follow up can call the campus directly or contact local law enforcement for updates on any criminal inquiries. IDEA’s public materials emphasize student safety and background checks for employees, though parents in this case say they also want faster and clearer communication whenever an allegation surfaces.
For now, the school says the staff member will stay off campus while the investigation continues, and parents remain on edge as officials and law enforcement review the allegations. Authorities have not reported any charges in this case so far.
