Former Teacher's Aide Convicted of Assaulting Special Needs Student

In a concerning incident from earlier this year, a former teacher's aide has been convicted of assaulting a special needs student on a school bus. According to court records, a Greene County jury found Tenyetta Olinger, 49, of Fairborn, guilty of assault and endangering children charges.

The incident occurred on January 28, when Olinger, who was a teacher's aide at Sugarcreek Academy, allegedly mistreated a nonverbal autistic student named Nathan while he was being transported on a Fairborn City Schools bus. Disturbing footage from the bus reportedly showed Olinger grabbing the student's wrist, lifting him by his harness straps, and "muscling" him into his seat with such force that he struck his head against the window and cried out in pain.

Nathan's father, Dustin Jackson, had previously shared photos showing his son with a black eye and swollen forehead following the incident. The Bellbrook Police Department detective who reviewed the bus footage described it as so disturbing that they recommended the family not watch it. Olinger was placed on administrative leave during the school's investigation, and she has not been employed there since January 30.

Olinger is now set to be sentenced in January for her crimes against the vulnerable student in her care. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the need for greater accountability and protection for special needs children, especially in school settings where they should feel safe.