MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — Marshall County Schools addressed growing concerns at a meeting Tuesday night after a parent publicly questioned the district’s response to complaints involving a special education classroom months before criminal charges were filed against several educators.
Former Special Education teacher Kiersten Moses, who faces criminal charges after allegedly choking a 6-year-old autistic McNinch Primary School student, previously resigned, and the Board of Education later accepted that resignation.
But parent frustration dominated the discussion. Alissa Schwing, whose autistic child was in the same classroom as the alleged victim, told the board she reported concerns about Moses in October. She said she saw no indication the district took action at the time, and she urged officials to explain why earlier complaints did not prompt a stronger response.
Superintendent Shelby Haines said an independent agency is currently reviewing the district’s Special Programs Department.
Former McNinch Principal Jane Duffy and Special Programs Director Erin Cuffaro are also facing criminal charges in the alleged abuse case involving the special needs student and are on administrative leave from Marshall County Schools. Duffy, Cuffaro and Moses have pleaded not guilty.
