PALM COAST, Fla. – A 60-year-old substitute teacher at Matanzas High School was arrested after investigators say he kicked a student with disabilities during a classroom incident, leaving a visible mark on the student’s leg.
Bryan Schewitz, 60, of Flagler Beach, was arrested Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm following an investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies, Schewitz allegedly kicked the student after the student kicked him during a behavioral episode. A witness reported that Schewitz later acknowledged kicking the student and said they were now even.
Witnesses Describe Substitute Teacher’s Actions Toward Student
The investigation began Oct. 16 when an assistant principal at Matanzas High School notified the school’s resource deputy about an incident involving Schewitz and a student with disabilities.
Deputies interviewed two witnesses who described the substitute teacher’s interactions with the student.
One witness told investigators that Schewitz forcefully moved the student into a chair while the student was experiencing a behavioral episode.
According to the witness, Schewitz then made the student place his hands on a table and declared, “The gloves are off.”
The witness said Schewitz was excessively rough with the student, making her uncomfortable.
A second witness told deputies that he saw Schewitz kick the student in the leg.
The witness later noticed a large mark on the student’s leg and questioned Schewitz about what had happened.
“He kicked me and I kicked him. So now we’re square,” Schewitz allegedly responded.
Before law enforcement became involved, school officials questioned the student about the injury to his leg. The student told them that Schewitz had kicked him.
Substitute Teacher Claims He Kicked Student Accidentally
When deputies interviewed Schewitz, he provided a different account of the confrontation.
Schewitz told investigators that the student had arrived late to class and refused to sit in his assigned chair to begin his schoolwork.
According to Schewitz, the student began kicking toward him and struck him in the leg.
Schewitz claimed he reacted by sticking out his foot and accidentally kicking the student.
He also told deputies that the student had been walking around the classroom attempting to poke other students with a pencil.
Schewitz said he placed a hand on the student’s shoulder and guided him toward an empty chair.
He then sat beside the student, placed his hands on the table and sternly warned that “the gloves were coming off.”
When investigators questioned Schewitz about his reported statement that he and the student were now even, he initially denied making the remark.
However, deputies said he later appeared uncertain about whether he had made the statement before explaining that he told the witness he had kicked the student accidentally.
Sheriff Says Teachers Must Remain in Control During Difficult Situations
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly criticized the alleged conduct, emphasizing that school employees are responsible for maintaining control when working with students, particularly those with disabilities.
“When adults are trusted to be working with children, especially those who require extra care because of disabilities, they are expected to be the levelheaded ones in any situation and not lose control of their temper,” Staly said.
“It is never okay for a faculty member to strike a student, especially out of anger or frustration.”
Flagler Schools Superintendent Responds to Arrest
Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore said the district takes allegations involving student safety seriously.
“Working together to keep our students safe is always a top priority. When issues arise that require investigation, we take them seriously,” Moore said.
“Our primary focus remains on supporting our students as we work diligently to provide safe learning environments for every student. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated on our campuses.”
The sheriff’s office did not release the student’s age or identifying information.
Officials also did not announce whether Schewitz would face additional employment-related or administrative action.
Schewitz Released From Jail on $2,500 Bond
Following the investigation, deputies arrested Schewitz on a charge of child abuse without great bodily harm.
He was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility in Flagler County.
Schewitz was later released after posting a $2,500 bond.