Syracuse, N.Y – A Syracuse City School District social studies teacher has been placed on administrative leave after being charged with assault against a fellow teacher Tuesday, police say.
John Randall, 54, has been charged with third-degree assault after repeatedly punching a female teacher in the face, said Sgt. Matthew Malinowski, a Syracuse police spokesperson.
The incident, which was reported around 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, began as a verbal dispute between Randall and Michaela Kiewra, 60, in a classroom of the Johnson Vocational Center at 573 E. Genesee St., Malinowski said.
The fight was regarding a personal issue, Malinowski said. He said he did not know what the personal issue was about.
The altercation quickly escalated, and Randall began punching Kiewra in the face and upper chest repeatedly, he said.
Other teachers in the building heard the dispute and entered the classroom to investigate, Malinowski said.
Kiewra, who is listed as a special education teacher, was taken to Upstate University Hospital and treated for her injuries. Kiewra has not been placed on leave.
Randall will remain on leave until the Syracuse Police and school district complete their investigations, Michael Henesey, a spokesperson for the Syracuse City School District, said.
Administrative leave is often paid in the public sector, but it could not be confirmed with the district today if Randall would be on paid leave. Randall’s salary in 2020 was $90,251, according to an online database of public employees’ salaries.
Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.