A Falconer social studies teacher and former athletic director has submitted a resignation after allegations that he physically struck a sixth grade student.

Following an investigation from the school, the decision was made that charges will not be pressed at the request of the parents. However, the teacher will not be returning to the school.

On Jan. 27, between 8:38 and 9:22 a.m., students in David Nelson’s social studies class were allegedly throwing around a “squish ball.” Despite repeated attempts from Nelson to stop them, amid this frustration, Nelson allegedly went up and slapped a student in the back of his left shoulder. There were roughly 13 other students present in the classroom at the time of the incident, many of whom would quickly report the occurrence to administrative staff.

Following the incident, the student was escorted to the nurses office, where a red mark was observed and photographed by the school officials. The student’s parent stated the child then spent time talking to the guidance counselor, after being visibly shaken by the incident. At this time, the parent stated the student is well and has been able to calm down since the occurrence.

Nelson was quickly placed onto administrative leave by the district pending an investigation. Superintendent Steven Penhollow would tell police that Nelson openly admitted to striking the student. Penhollow immediately contacted the parent of the student, setting up a meeting to discuss the matters. The student told the father, right after the alleged altercation, that Nelson stated, “I am setting an example for those who don’t listen.” Penhollow stated that Nelson denied making any such comment.

Later, on Jan. 29, Ellicott Police Detective Daniel Leighton spoke to the father of the student, who did not wish to pursue charges so long as the teacher did not return to the school in any capacity. The next day, Leighton spoke to Penhollow and Nelson, and advised Penhollow to contact him if or when Nelson submitted a resignation. On Tuesday, Penhollow informed Leighton that Nelson had tendered his resignation to be valid as of April 1. Nelson has not, and will not, be returning to the school at all before this date, with parents expressing satisfaction with this result.