KIPP teacher accused of assaulting student

ST. LOUIS – A teacher at KIPP Triumph Academy is accused of kicking and shoving a student with a disability during the prior school year.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s probable cause statement, the incident took place on March 25 on school property.

Police spoke with the victim, 13 at the time, and witnesses. The victim said his teacher, Scott R. Poole, 40, kicked him while on the steps the day prior, and the student had back pains as a result.

Police said the student reported the incident to the school’s mental health professional, who spoke with Poole.

Police said Poole admitted to losing his patience with the student and kicking him.

Witnesses told police Poole yelled at the student to stop acting like a baby, kicked him, and then pushed him into the wall.

The student has a genetic disorder affecting his craniofacial features, stature, and hearing ability.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office charged Poole with third-degree assault. A circuit court judge signed an arrest warrant for Poole on July 29, with a $15,000 cash-only bond.