47-year old former Venice Elementary School teacher Diana O’Neill was charged with abusing mentally disabled students in 2008 but was acquitted after trial.  Parents and support staff say they either witnessed or heard reports of her hitting profoundly mentally disabled children in the school’s special education department over the head with water bottles, kicking a student, and pulling on another student’s lip.

Now, despite being sanctioned by the court, O’Neill will be keeping her teaching certificate and returning to teaching.  In a settlement with Florida’s state education department, O’Neill will serve two years of probation, pay $500, and receive a letter of reprimand.  In exchange, O’Neill will be able to return to the classroom, but will be prohibited from working with students with communication disorders.

The Superintendent of the district has stated that O’Neill will not be returning to Venice Elementary School.

If you or someone you know has been charged with battery, contact the Boca Raton assault & battery lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. at 561-353-2800 to learn more about your rights.