Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Families say special education teacher abused girls

RENO — Two families in Nevada are suing a school district after they say their children were abused by a special education teacher.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that the families have filed suit against the Washoe County School District, a teacher and a principal for abuse they say occurred at Marvin Picollo School.

According to the lawsuit, a special education teacher physically, verbally and emotionally abused two 8-year-olds during the 2013-14 school year. It says the teacher removed one girl from her wheelchair and shoved her on a horse during an equine therapy program, among other issues.

Principal Matthew Burak said Tuesday afternoon that he was not aware of the suit. He says the teacher has resigned from the district.

Burak says the district takes the allegations very seriously and will review the issue.

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