DCS questioned as teacher faces criminal summons for assaulting 12-year-old student
Editor’s Note: Davidson Local has opted not to disclose the names of parents or students in order to protect the minors involved in this case.
Parents of students at Ledford Middle School are expressing their concerns regarding the policies and procedures of Davidson County Schools in relation to student safety, following an alleged assault that reportedly took place on December 2, 2024. A criminal summons for Eugena Rachelle Jones, a resident of 141 Garden Path, Winston Salem, was issued in Davidson County for simple assault on January 2, subsequent to a review of interviews from students.
The criminal summons articulates the following details:
“On or about the date of offense shown and in the county named above the defendant unlawfully and willfully did assault [Student’s Name] Demonstrating to the class by putting an arm around her and allegedly by use of force caused the victim to go to the floor and drug her on the floor..”
Numerous parents allege that their children conveyed reports indicating that a middle school mathematics teacher dragged a 12-year-old student around the classroom, inquiring whether the children wished to be treated like "babies." Two parents assert that their children regarded this behavior as a reaction to a recent negative evaluation of the teacher. Consequently, the students returned home expressing distress and described the incident as Jones allegedly placing her arm around one student's neck and pushing her to the ground.
The parent initiating the allegations began the grievance procedure on December 3. Her communications included emails directed to the Superintendent, the Principal and the School Resource Officer. On December 6, she received an email from Principal Wesley Auman, who acknowledged that an investigation was in progress. “Thank you for reaching out. We spoke to every student collectively. I have not interviewed anyone outside of that, so if he has any additional information {District Attorney, Gary Frank}, I would appreciate it,” Auman stated. The parent subsequently reached out to the Superintendent and sent individual emails to the School Board after being denied a grievance hearing.
"We send our kids to school and expect them to be safe," she stated. "I wanted to know why she {Jones} was still in school and what is the protocol for something like this."
Davidson Local was unable to obtain a statement from Jones, and when reached on December 5, 2024, and January 3, 2025, Davidson County Schools initially indicated unawareness of the incident. Records provided by the parents indicate a lapse in communications, reporting and disciplinary action.
A written statement was eventually issued to Davidson Local on January 3. “We are aware of the charges recently filed against Ms. Eugena Jones, teacher at Ledford Middle School. Effective immediately, Ms. Jones has been suspended with pay for further investigation,” wrote Meredith Pitt, Public Relations Coordinator for Davidson County Schools. “We will continue to monitor this matter as it evolves and take appropriate action as necessary to ensure a safe learning environment for all students within the Davidson County Schools.”
Several parents have documented their grievances, expressing apprehensions regarding student safety. The student involved in the incident was quickly removed from Jones’ math classroom; however, other parents reported that remaining students were also "traumatized" and "terrified" at the prospect of returning to class.
Parents have expressed their confidence in and appreciation for the District Attorney's Office. “I extend my gratitude to the District Attorney's Office, specifically to Gary Frank, for valuing our students, pursuing justice, holding individuals accountable for our children and treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves." remarked a parent of the alleged victim. Another classroom parent said, "It's still hard to process."
Eugena Jones is scheduled to appear in Davidson County on January 23, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the Davidson County Courthouse, Courtroom DC01.
