Terrebonne principal resigns, criminal charges pending

The former principal of the Terrebonne Parish School for Exceptional Children faces battery charges after allegedly physically and mentally abusing an 11-year-old student.

Now, parents of the autistic child who attends the institution are seeking legal counsel “…due to concerns that their child has been abused while under the school’s supervision,” according to a news release issued by St. Martin and Bourque, the firm representing the parents.

Sophia Seymore resigned from her position as principal of the school last week.

“A School Board representative notified the parents that sufficient evidence was found to demand the principal resign or be terminated,” according to the release.

According to St. Martin and Bourque, officials from the Houma Police Department (HPD) told the students’ parents “…that witnesses indicated the principal put the child on the ground, got on the child’s back and repeatedly slammed his head onto a concrete floor.”

In connection with those allegations, Seymore was charged with simple battery, said HPD spokesperson Sgt. Dana Coleman. However, an investigation is still pending and will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office once completed.

Unfortunately, encounters between the principal and the students were said to be numerous, according to reports.

“Another witness indicated the principal had a scuffle with the child behind a curtain. After the scuffle, both child and principal returned from behind the curtain – the principal with a shoe in her hand and the child bleeding from his mouth,” said the release.

Although St. Martin and Bourque released accounts of the incidents, officials from HPD would not comment on the nature of the supposed crimes.

Because the child’s autism is so severe, he was unable to defend himself or relay the alleged abuse to his parents, said Christopher St. Martin, lead counsel.

It is uncertain how long similar behavior has been taking place, he noted. “However, the parents have noticed extreme changes in the child’s behavior since these acts of violence.”

While similar cases may exist, “…this is the only one I can remember happening at this school,” said Coleman.

Officials from the Terrebonne Parish School for Exceptional Children would not comment.