COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A local middle school teacher was arrested after police said he got into a physical altercation with a student.
Police told Channel 2's Chris Jose that the teacher -- identified as Maurice Simmons -- is accused of throwing a stool at a 13-year-old boy.
"That's beyond corporal punishment. That's assault," said Ceylon Graham.
Graham was one of several concerned parents Channel 2 Action News talked to on Monday.
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According to the arrest warrant obtained by Channel 2 Action News, Simmons was sitting down during hall duty when a student "placed a cold water bottle" on the back of his neck.
Police said Simmons got off the stool and threw it at the student.
A spokesperson for the Cobb County School District said Simmons is no longer employed by the district.
"I don't know where his state of mind was, but that's unacceptable for any teacher, for any situation," Graham said.
Channel 2 Action News has learned Simmons was Lindley Middle School's "Teacher of the Year" in 2017.
Simmons is charged with simple battery. Jail records show he's out on bond.
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