Former teacher pleads not guilty to hitting student

A former Benton County School of Arts teacher pleaded not guilty to a felony charge in connection with an allegation that she hit a student.

Pamela Nelson, 57, of Springdale, is charged with battery in the second degree, a Class D felony, which is punishable with up to 6 years in prison. She entered the plea during her arraignment Tuesday before Circuit Judge Jon Comstock.

Nelson was arrested Oct. 2.

Rogers police responded to an Oct. 1 call in reference to a 12-year-old being struck by a teacher at the school, according to court documents.

The officer met the boy’s mother at the school and she told officer that her son had told her that his teacher had hit her, the affidavit of probable cause states.

Nelson was a middle school choir instructor at the school. The board approved Nelson’s employment in July and she was terminated Oct. 2.

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