Former Westport teacher's aide charged with assaulting 8-year-old student

Bethany Bronhard arraigned on assault and battery charges after alleged incident at Westport Elementary School

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:04am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The alleged assault on a student at Westport Elementary School has led to criminal charges, raising concerns about the treatment of vulnerable children in the school system.Fall River Today

A former teacher's assistant at Westport Elementary School has been arraigned on charges that she dragged an 8-year-old third-grade student down a hallway by the feet. School officials contacted police after reviewing security camera footage of the alleged incident on November 5, 2025.

Why it matters

The case raises concerns about the treatment of students with special needs and the responsibility of school staff to ensure the safety and well-being of all students in their care. It also comes amid scrutiny of the former principal's handling of the incident.

The details

According to the police report, security camera footage showed Bethany Bronhard, the student's assigned one-to-one teaching assistant, chasing the student down the hallway, grabbing them by the legs, and dragging them back to the classroom. A second video showed Bronhard picking up the student and carrying them back to the classroom. The student's parents told police the child has a medical condition.

  • The alleged incident occurred on November 5, 2025.
  • School officials contacted police on November 7, 2025.
  • Bronhard was arraigned in Fall River District Court on April 2, 2026.
  • Bronhard's pre-trial hearing is scheduled for May 14, 2026.

The players

Bethany Bronhard

A 44-year-old former teacher's assistant at Westport Elementary School who has been charged with assault and battery for allegedly dragging an 8-year-old student down a hallway.

Kevin Aguiar

The former principal of Westport Elementary School who resigned one month after the alleged incident, facing allegations of not properly investigating the matter.

Westport Elementary School

The school where the alleged incident took place and where Bronhard was employed as a teacher's assistant.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure the safety and well-being of all students in our care.”

— Kevin Aguiar, Former Principal, Westport Elementary School

What’s next

Bronhard's pre-trial hearing on May 14, 2026 will determine if the case proceeds to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and accountability measures to protect vulnerable students, especially those with special needs, in the school system.