SC middle school teacher charged with assault

LAKE WYLIE, S.C. (AP) — A York County middle school student is being charged with assault and battery after three students say he spanked them.

The 12-year-old boys at Oakridge Middle School in Lake Wylie accused seventh grade math teacher Chris Petrasek of spanking them earlier this year.

Clover schools’ policy does now allow the use of corporal punishment. The students said the spankings were punishment for getting a low grade, missing a question or talking out of turn.

School spokesman Mychal Frost says Petrasek is on administrative leave with pay.

The 48-year-old teacher also coaches wrestling. He’s been a teacher in the district since 2007.

It was unclear if he has an attorney.