Witnesses say a Florida substitute teacher kicked a special-needs student, then said, “Now we’re square.”
Story Highlights
- Deputies arrested a Matanzas High School substitute after reports he kicked a student with disabilities.
- Witnesses described a forceful classroom confrontation and a visible mark on the student’s leg.
- The teacher allegedly said, “He kicked me and I kicked him. Now we’re square,” according to deputies.
- The teacher says he stuck out his foot and the kick was accidental after the student kicked him first.
Arrest After Classroom Incident At Matanzas High School
Flagler County deputies arrested a substitute teacher after an incident in a Matanzas High School classroom on October 16. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reported that a school resource deputy received a complaint and opened an investigation the same day. Deputies later arrested the teacher on a charge of child abuse without great bodily harm. Local reports identified the substitute as Bryan Schewitz and said he was booked and then released on bond after the charge was filed.
Witnesses told investigators the student has disabilities and was in distress during class. One witness said the substitute kicked the student in the leg. Another described the substitute moving the student into a chair and placing the student’s hands on a table. That second account included the phrase, “The gloves are off,” attributed to the substitute during the confrontation. Deputies documented both reported statements in summaries shared with local media outlets covering the case.
Competing Accounts: Witness Reports Versus Teacher’s Statement
According to law enforcement summaries shared with reporters, the substitute made a remark that sounded retaliatory. Deputies say he stated, “He kicked me and I kicked him. So now we’re square.” That line spread quickly through headlines. The substitute’s own account differs on intent. He told investigators the student kicked him first, he stuck out his foot, and the contact was accidental. He also reportedly gave mixed answers about the “square” remark during questioning.
News reports say a witness later noticed a large mark on the student’s leg consistent with forceful contact. Deputies used the combined statements to establish probable cause for arrest. The case stands at the charging stage, and no court has decided guilt. The sheriff’s office and local outlets have not released classroom video or medical records tied to the injury. The school district has not issued a detailed public statement on discipline or next steps, as of the latest reports.
Why This Case Hits A Nerve For Parents And Taxpayers
Parents expect schools to protect students with disabilities while keeping classrooms safe for everyone. This case shows how fast a tense moment can cross a legal line. Deputies say witnesses saw a kick and heard tough words. The teacher says it was a split-second reaction. For families, the bottom line is simple: adults must use training, not anger. Clear rules, strong oversight, and swift reporting protect students and good teachers alike.
National data show that physical restraint in schools is rare overall but falls mostly on students with disabilities. Federal civil-rights figures report that students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act make up about 12 percent of enrollment but 75 percent of students who face physical restraint. That gap fuels debate over training, crisis response, and parent notice when things go wrong inside classrooms.
Classroom Control, Training, And Accountability
Teachers face real risks when a student acts out, but the law draws a clear line against punitive force. Districts need strong crisis training so staff can guide, de-escalate, and protect without crossing that line. When schools rely on substitutes, leadership must confirm they know the plan for behavioral episodes. Parents deserve straight answers on who is trained, what tools are allowed, when to call for help, and how incidents get reviewed the same day.
Florida substitute teacher busted for allegedly kicking special needs student: 'Now we're square' https://t.co/2Dh729HFc6 pic.twitter.com/1QPzLfNFdZ
— New York Post (@nypost) October 20, 2026
For conservatives, the priorities are firm: protect vulnerable students, back disciplined classrooms, and cut the bureaucratic fog. The sheriff’s office acted after reports from inside the room. Now the courts will test the facts. The district should preserve all records, notify parents transparently, and audit training for every substitute posted to high-need rooms. Order in the classroom and dignity for every child are not in conflict. They depend on clear rules and adults who follow them.
Sources:
nypost.com, wftv.com, observerlocalnews.com
