The Blue Valley School Board in Overland Park, Kansas, voted Monday to terminate kindergarten teacher Barb Hart, a 25-year educator at Sunset Ridge Elementary, for violating the district’s Emergency Safety Intervention policy. The 6–1 decision came despite widespread support from parents who said Hart acted compassionately toward a special-needs student.
Parents said Hart intervened when the child was distressed, guiding them to a private area to calm down. They argued she provided care and dignity, not punishment. “She literally goes above and beyond — she’s every district’s dream employee,” said parent Leah Karchin.
Policy 3522 allows restraint or seclusion only when less restrictive methods fail and when a student poses immediate danger. Board members acknowledged concerns about the policy but said it aligns with Kansas law.
Parents packed the meeting, many wearing shirts bearing Hart’s initials, urging the board to reconsider. “If compassionate responses to these mental needs are punishable, the system is failing both teachers and students,” said parent Jenny Stilley.
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