Superintendent wants Tillman Elementary teacher fired

BRADENTON — A Tillman Elementary teacher is facing termination for reportedly using corporal punishment this past school year.

Karyn Cena, 40, of Bradenton, on May 11 allegedly grabbed one of her first-grade student’s arms during a Memorial Day program practice in the school’s auditorium after the boy refused to pretend to wave a flag. She then dragged him to the back of the auditorium and shoved him onto a bench, according to an administrative complaint filed by school district attorneys.

Reports state the child was left with a small bruise.

The incident was witnessed by other teachers, a teacher’s aide and the boy’s classmates, the complaint states, and was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies determined “verified findings of child abuse.” But after reviewing the case, prosecutors declined to press charges because of “insufficient evidence” that Cena’s conduct “rises to the level of child abuse,” Assistant State Attorney Thomas Krug wrote in a memo explaining the decision.

Still, schools Superintendent Tim McGonegal wants Cena fired.

Cena has worked in the district since August of 2000.

When reached by phone Wednesday, she declined comment. Her attorney Melissa Mihok, of Tampa, could not be reached for comment.

But court papers show Cena denied the allegations against her and has requested a hearing. She is currently on administrative leave with pay.

The school board during its regular meeting Monday will determine whether to fire her or grant her an administrative hearing and suspend her without pay.

The accusation against Cena come on the heels of the district firing another teacher for corporal punishment. The board last month fired Peggy Hill, 59, for improperly disciplining students on two separate occasions in 2009.