MILTON — Dr. Christina Villaverde, an Avalon Middle School chorus teacher, has resigned, ahead of being terminated, due to inappropriate disciplinary action the school says she took against a student.
A photo featuring a student of Villaverde recently spread on social media; the photo shows the student with his or her mouth and hands taped.
Avalon Middle School Principal David Sigurnjak said the school learned about the situation before the photo went viral.
Sigurnjack said nothing in Villaverde's record gave the school concern about hiring Villaverde.
"Nothing showed up," Sigurnjak said. "She was eligible to teach … We have taken action against the teacher and she is no longer (at the school)."
Villaverde did not immediately return a text requesting comment on the issue.
Conni Carnley, Santa Rosa County assistant superintendent, said the case now goes to the Florida Department of Education Professional Practices, "that governs issues of suspensions," she said.
The issue will come before the school board during a 9 a.m. meeting Oct. 20 in the boardroom on 5086 Canal St.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Avalon teacher resigns following viral photo incident