A teacher who was under investigation by the Edina School District for allegedly violating a first-grader's privacy after a classroom altercation will remain on paid medical leave through mid-February, according to the district.
And that date may be extended by her doctors, according to a letter sent recently by school officials to parents of first-graders in the teacher's class.
Deborah York has been gone from Room 115 at Countryside Elementary School in Edina since Nov. 9. Her lawyer says she was injured that day while dealing with a student's misbehavior after the boy pushed a classmate into a desk. York cleared the classroom and was trying to talk to the student when the boy pushed York, causing her to sprain her neck and back, according to York's attorney, Marshall Tanick.
Responding to inquiries from some parents, York discussed in general terms the Nov. 9 incident without naming the boy.
The district hired an outside firm to investigate whether she went too far in telling parents about what had happened. Parents responded by circulating petitions on her behalf, and some staged a rally last month supporting York.
Though the investigation has been completed, Edina school officials have not made public the findings. The two sides apparently have not resolved their differences.
"The district and Ms. York still are engaged in discussions regarding this matter," Tanick said.
Edina school officials did not respond to calls Monday afternoon.
