Bridgeport special ed teacher investigated amid claims he stole lunch money from kids with special needs
"He would ask us parents for $20 each, then order the least expensive meals when the kids went on outings - then he'd keep the change for himself! It's outrageous, it's crazy, it's very disrespectful and it's very sad," Lemus said.
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A longtime special ed teacher at Bridgeport's Central High School is the target of a probe, school officials said Tuesday.
Tamkekia Lemus - one of many parents who've filed complaints against the teacher - said he's been stealing students' lunch money on a regular basis.
"He was pocketing cash from kids with special needs, like my daughter, Monique," Lemus said.
"He would ask us parents for $20 each, then order the least expensive meals when the kids went on outings - then he'd keep the change for himself! It's outrageous, it's crazy, it's very disrespectful and it's very sad," Lemus said.
"He's been doing it for years - and while many parents have filed complaints against him, many more are afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation," Lemus said.
School officials said in a statement, "We cannot comment on active or ongoing personnel investigations, but we can confirm that all matters related to this situation are being addressed, in accordance with applicable due-process rights, policies, procedures - and there is no risk to student safety."
Lemus said school officials told her this week the teacher "has been removed from the classroom and will not be around students while they investigate."
