Substitute Teacher Resigns After Accused Of Using Racial Slur

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Just as students throughout Pinellas County were preparing to honor civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his efforts to end racial inequality, a substitute teacher at the Lealman Innovation Academy was pulled out of her classroom Wednesday after being accused of yelling a racial slur in front of students.

Karen Boettge, 59, of Lutz, who is white, was reported by Several students at Lealman Innovation Academy reported the teacher for using the derogatory word several times.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 328 of the 498 students at the academy located at 4900 28th St. N, St. Petersburg, are Black as are its principal and two of its assistant principals.

Boettge was brought to Principal Connisheia Garcia's office and asked to report to the district's human services office to review the incident.

However, before the review took place, Boettge resigned, said school district spokeswoman Isabel Mascareñas.

The Pinellas County School District released a statement saying, "The use of derogatory and offensive language by anyone is not acceptable behavior."

According to the statement, "The teacher was placed on district-wide restriction from substituting at another school. She resigned the next day before a date could be set to review the incident. The substitute teacher was placed on the district’s do-not-rehire list.”

According to its brochure, the Lealman Innovation Academy, is a "New Tech Network" school for grades six through 12 focused on "using a unique learner profile to personalize learning in a culture that promotes trust, respect and responsibility."

Mascareñas said Boettge was hired to substitute in Pinellas schools on July 1. She taught at several schools in the county without any similar incidents.