Flagler Elementary School Teacher Accused of Abusing Special Needs Student

BUNNELL, Fla. – A Flagler County elementary school teacher has been arrested after authorities said he used physical force against a student with special needs.

Kevin Adkisson, 52, teaches at Wadsworth Elementary School in Bunnell.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said Adkisson intervened when the student argued with another child over a toy. Investigators allege he pushed the student, grabbed the child’s arm forcefully and shouted that the student was behaving like a 2-year-old.

A paraprofessional who witnessed the encounter told investigators that the student crawled beneath a desk while crying and yelling. When the child did not come out, the paraprofessional said Adkisson moved the desk, seized the student by the arm and held the child against a wall.

The paraprofessional reported the alleged incident to school administrators. Adkisson was then escorted from the campus, while the child’s parents and the Florida Department of Children and Families were notified.

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The student also told deputies about a separate confrontation. According to the child, Adkisson struck the student in the stomach after the child moved ahead of classmates in line, then lifted the student and placed him at the back of the line.

Adkisson is charged with two counts of child abuse without great bodily harm. Jail records show he has since posted bond.

The arrest marks the second child abuse case involving a Flagler County teacher this month.

Last week, a substitute teacher was arrested after being accused of kicking a student with disabilities at Matanzas High School.