A 49-year-old Florida high school employee faces child abuse charges after police say she continued punching a restrained student well beyond what self-defense allowed, raising questions about proper protocols for handling unruly students on school property.

What Happened on the School Bus

The incident unfolded at William T. Dwyer High School in Palm Beach County around 2:50 p.m. during student dismissal. Shaundra Smith, a non-instructional district employee, boarded a school bus after the driver requested help removing an unruly student. Smith initially attempted to speak with the student but soon called for additional staff support and two police officers to assist with the removal.

According to the Palm Beach School District Police report, officers arriving on the scene witnessed Smith and the student exchanging punches. School administrators and officers moved to separate the two by restraining the student’s arms. At that point, Smith climbed onto a bus seat and struck the student in the face while officers held the girl. Despite an officer ordering her to stop, Smith allegedly delivered two more punches before being physically pulled away.

From Self-Defense to Criminal Charges

The police report acknowledged that Smith’s initial actions constituted self-defense when the student first became physical. However, investigators determined her behavior crossed into criminal territory once the student was restrained by law enforcement. The continued punches represented intentional and unnecessary infliction of physical injury, according to authorities. The student suffered cuts inside her lip and a scrape on her left collarbone. Smith was arrested and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.

School District Response

Principal Corey Brooks sent a message to William T. Dwyer High School families and staff informing them of Smith’s arrest. The Palm Beach County School District confirmed Smith has been removed from campus and will not return pending the outcome of the investigation. The incident highlights ongoing challenges schools face in balancing student discipline, staff safety, and appropriate use of force when situations escalate beyond verbal intervention.