Millsap educators arrested for allegedly abusing autistic child

The superintendent of Millsap ISD and two former teachers were arrested for allegedly abusing an autistic child in a classroom. The arrests came after a video was shared online showing disturbing actions towards the child. The arrested individuals include Superintendent Edie Martin, 44-year-old Jennifer Dale, and 25-year-old Paxton Kendal Bean. Martin and Bean have been released from jail, while Dale remains in custody with a bond set at $2,500. The video, which was shared by a parent, shows 10-year-old Alex Cornelius, who is autistic and non-verbal, being slapped by his special education teacher. Another teacher in the clip can be seen yelling at him and throwing an object. The parent stated that this incident occurred on February 18, but school officials did not inform her until ten days later. Texas Representative Mike Olcott expressed his concern over the incident, highlighting that those hired to care for vulnerable children should not treat them this way. Millsap ISD immediately put the involved educators on administrative leave, and they are no longer with the district. The Millsap ISD Board of Trustees will hold a meeting soon to discuss the future of Superintendent Martin. She faces a felony charge for failing to report the abuse. Bean is charged with injury to a child and official oppression. The family of Alex Cornelius is seeking justice and has outlined steps to improve safety in schools for children like him.