Marco Island middle school teacher faces allegations of battery

A Marco Island teacher faces serious allegations after being accused of hitting students in the classroom.

Several mothers, who asked that we not identify them, say they’ve gone through a range of emotions since hearing claims that a teacher hit their children.

A Marco police crime report refers to “Battery, simple assault” of four 11-year-old children — three girls and one boy.

The report says it happened on Trinidad Avenue on Marco Island, the address for Marco Island Charter Middle School.

The claims are against Joe Jarrett, who is listed on the school’s website as a computer teacher.

One mother says, “I want this fully investigated and if he did what our children said he did, I want charges pressed, and I want him to own up to what he’s done and face the consequences.”

Marco Island Police and the Department of Children and Families have both confirmed they are actively investigating the claims.

Parents shared an email sent by the school’s principal just days after parents filed police reports. It states in part:

“The school has received some inquiries about the absence of our computer and intensive math teacher. Since this is a personnel issue, it is not only inappropriate but also against our policy to elaborate.. On the matter until the matter has been resolved. What I can tell you is that, until the matter is resolved, the teacher will not be returning to class.”

“I found out from another parent, her daughter came to her and was worried about my son and being hit and yelled at almost on a daily basis in class. And she was so concerned for my child that she told her mother,” a concerned parent said.

The parents say Jarrett hit and screamed at their children in front of other students, and that he’s done it to others as well.

Marco Island Police reached out to DCF, which is standard with complaints involving children. The moms also confirm caseworkers have interviewed their children.

WINK News went to Jarrett’s gated community to ask him about the allegations and he would not allow us in or comment. We also called and emailed, but he never responded.