A former elementary school teacher at Knoch School District is accused of threatening to kick an 8-year-old student with autism following an earlier incident where she allegedly slapped the boy’s face after he bit her, police said.

The second- and third-grade learning support teacher, Carly Ann Miller, 35, of Allison Park, was charged with misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment related to the alleged incident which occurred Nov. 26 at Knoch Primary School in Jefferson Township.

In the charging documents, filed Monday, April 14, police said they received a Childline report Nov. 27 explaining the incident. Police said the student was attempting to enter another classroom when Miller grabbed him by the arms and wrists. Police said the student bit Miller on her forearm, which led to Miller slapping the student before walking away.

Police said they received an email Dec. 20 from superintendent David Foley, including screenshots of text messages between Miller and her teacher’s aide, who was present for the incident.

The screenshots showed conversations between the two five days prior to the incident that show Miller saying “I’m going to kick [the student] if he ever bites me again” and calling the child profanities, police said.

A school representative told police Miller has received annual training for working with special needs students since 2017. Her most recent training was Feb. 19, 2024, and she would have received an update Feb. 17.

In a letter sent out to parents and posted on the district’s website, Foley said the family of the child was notified immediately after the incident. He said Miller was placed on leave while the district investigated the incident, and her employment was terminated in March.

“The district treats allegations involving the safety of its students with the highest degree of importance. Swift action was taken by the district, and the proper authorities were immediately notified,” Foley said in the letter. “Because this is a personnel matter and a confidential student matter, the district is limited in its ability to publicly disclose specific information regarding the incident.”

Miller’s preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled.