Delta County teacher's aide charged with third-degree child abuse

Popour allegedly grabbed, pushed, and threw student at ISD Learning Center

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A former teacher's aide at the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (ISD) Learning Center in Escanaba, Michigan has been charged with third-degree child abuse. 54-year-old Robin Popour was arrested in December 2025 after an incident where she allegedly grabbed, pushed, and threw a male student with 'moderate to severe impairments' against a window and into a chair. Popour was immediately placed on leave, then fired after an investigation found she failed to meet professional and safety expectations and operated outside district procedures.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about staff training, accountability, and student safety at special needs facilities. While the ISD says this was an isolated event, it highlights the need for ongoing trauma-informed education and clear reporting protocols for any staff who witness inappropriate behavior toward vulnerable students.

The details

According to police reports, Popour began yelling at the student while trying to get him to sit down. When the student made a pinching motion toward her, Popour allegedly grabbed him by the shoulder, pushed him against a window, and then 'threw' him into a chair. Witnesses said Popour's actions were 'unnecessary' and that she had previously stated she didn't like the student. The next day, a teacher's aide found bruises on the student's arm.

  • On December 18, 2025, the incident was reported to the district.
  • On December 19, 2025, Popour was placed on administrative leave and then fired after an investigation.
  • On December 19, 2025, Popour was arrested by the Delta County Sheriff's Office.
  • On April 20, 2026, Popour is scheduled to appear in Delta County Circuit Court.

The players

Robin Popour

A 54-year-old former teacher's aide at the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (ISD) Learning Center who has been charged with third-degree child abuse.

Dr. Kristina Hansen

The superintendent of the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (ISD).

Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (ISD)

The school district that employed Popour and operates the Learning Center where the incident occurred.

ISD Learning Center

A facility within the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District that serves students with 'moderate to severe impairments'.

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What they’re saying

“We will continue to work on this. Student safety is always at the forefront of what we do. When we learn there are ways to improve, we fix that.”

— Dr. Kristina Hansen, Superintendent, Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District

“As a school leader, I want to be very clear that this behavior is unacceptable and not tolerated. Our Learning Center staff members are compassionate, patient, super heros [sic] who provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students in their care... The Learning Center is an amazing educational environment for students with special needs. Our hope is that this isolated incident does not change how people feel about the school or the fabulous individuals who work there.”

— Dr. Kristina Hansen, Superintendent, Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 20th whether to allow Popour out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical need for ongoing staff training, clear reporting protocols, and strict accountability measures at special needs facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable students in their care.