A "punishment box" was installed at a school (2 photos)

Photos of a wooden box that parents say was used to isolate students at an elementary school have sparked outrage and prompted an independent investigation. Several school staff members have already been suspended.





Photos of the box were published by local resident and former school board member Chrissy Jacobs. She said the photos were given to her by a teacher who recently resigned from the school. The very next day, several parents reported that their children recognized the box and said they had been placed there as punishment. The families then contacted the police.

What is known about the wooden box

The school claims that the device shown in the photographs was never officially used, and the decision to discontinue such devices was made earlier. However, parents insist otherwise and point to systemic problems in the way children are treated.



One parent, Thomas Hathaway, said his eight-year-old son, who is partially nonverbal, witnessed other children being placed in the box to "calm them down." He said this had a significant impact on his behavior and emotional state.

"My son had to watch his friend being isolated. It hurt him more than if he had been there himself," the concerned father said.

School District Position

School district officials stated that time-outs are only permitted in exceptional circumstances—when physical safety is threatened or as part of an approved behavioral support plan. Any such measures must comply with strict legal and regulatory requirements.

An independent investigation and collaboration with the New York State Department of Education were also announced. On-site inspections are expected to confirm the removal of all such boxes from schools in the district.

Pending the investigation, the district superintendent has been placed on home leave, and the principal, the director of special education, and one teacher have been suspended.

In an official statement, the Board of Education apologized to the students, families, and the entire community, noting that the incident revealed "deep historical trauma associated with the abuse of Indigenous children."