District releases substitute teacher after boy killed by car

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The substitute teacher on duty the day a first grader was hit by a car and killed has been let go by the district.

Last month, 7-year-old Joshua Brown was hit and killed by a driver in front of Watkins Nance Elementary School.  But his mother told WIS he was supposed to be behind the school waiting for his bus to pick him up

Richland One School District spokesperson Karen York said Brown's substitute teacher disregarded instructions which ultimately led to his death.

"Joshua was to be taken to the cafeteria until his daycare van arrived," said York.

York said Brown's teacher left specific instructions for the substitute teacher.  The school district said it is not sure why the substitute did not follow district policy or the teacher's note.

York said the substitute teacher had been with the district for three years, but that ended Wednesday. The school district has not released her name.

"She was notified in writing this week that she has been permanently removed from our substitute roster," said York.

When asked how parents can trust that this won't happen again, York responded: "The school district has reviewed it's procedures. They've talked about this as a school," she said. "The principal has encouraged teachers and others who are responsible for students to make sure they follow the procedures."

Brown's family is aware of what happened to the substitute. They declined an interview. A family member said they have a lawyer and are considering legal action.

The driver of the vehicle that hit Brown was not charged.

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