Florida Assistant Principal Arrested for Inappropriate Student Conduct
Dr. Keiva Lark, a vice principal at Lake Marion Creek Middle School, was arrested for allegedly making a 13-year-old student rub her feet and using inappropriate language after he was sent to her office for misbehavior.
The arrest of Dr. Lark, 53, follows a disturbing incident where she coerced a student into performing inappropriate acts while mocking him with suggestive language, raising serious concerns about the safety and professionalism expected from school officials. Investigators from the Polk County Sheriff's Office were alerted and confirmed Lark's conduct warranted charges of lewd conduct and offenses against a student in her authority, prompting her immediate administrative leave.
The incident occurred when the 13-year-old boy was referred to Dr. Lark's office due to misbehavior during a test. Upon his arrival, Lark allegedly insisted that he rub her feet, framing the act as a learning opportunity for the boy in preparation for future romantic encounters. She reportedly referred to the boy as 'Sexy Chocolate,' which contributed to the inappropriate nature of the situation.
Witness accounts further detailed how Lark responded when the student hesitated to comply, scolding him for not massaging her feet correctly. Two witnesses reported observing Lark demonstrate foot rubbing techniques on the boy's arm and shoulder, which escalated the inappropriate nature of the interaction and prompted serious concerns regarding her judgment and conduct.
In conversations with colleagues following the incident, Lark acknowledged that her behavior had 'crossed the line.' This admission indicated a level of awareness about the inappropriateness of her actions, raising questions about her ability to maintain appropriate boundaries as a school administrator.
The school principal reported the incident to authorities on April 4, leading to a formal investigation by the Polk County Sheriff's Office into Lark's behavior. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed that Lark's actions were 'completely inappropriate' for someone in her position, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the expectations placed upon educational professionals to foster a safe learning environment.
As a result of the investigation, Dr. Lark was charged with lewd conduct and a lewd offense against a student by an authority figure. Investigators are working to ensure that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined, taking into account the welfare of the student involved and the broader implications of school safety.
In light of the evidence and witness testimonies, Dr. Lark has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues. Polk County Superintendent Frederick Heid commended the school principal for reporting the matter promptly, emphasizing the importance of accountability in educational settings. He reiterated the district's commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for students and staff alike.
This incident has prompted discussions within the community and among educational authorities regarding the standards of conduct expected from school personnel. Schools play a crucial role in fostering trust and security, and breaches in professionalism can have lasting impacts on students and their families.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are likely to face increased scrutiny over how such situations are handled in the future, aiming to prevent instances of misconduct in schools. The Polk County Sheriff's Office is expected to release further information as it becomes available, and parents and community members await the outcomes of this serious case.