Simpsonville Teacher Faces Assault Charges in School Incident

Empty classroom and police presence in a school setting

News Summary

In Simpsonville, South Carolina, teacher Christopher Rivardo has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a student during school days. Accusations include squeezing a student’s shoulder and bending a child’s pinky finger, resulting in charges of assault and battery. This unsettling news is compounded by a prior incident involving another teacher, Kevin Ester, accused of using excessive force on a student with disabilities. The Greenville County Schools district has responded by placing Rivardo on administrative leave, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of students, especially those with special needs.

Simpsonville Teacher Faces Assault Charges in Disturbing School Incident

In a shocking turn of events, the quiet town of Simpsonville, South Carolina, has found itself at the center of educational controversy following the arrest of a local teacher. Christopher Rivardo, a 48-year-old educator at Rudolph Gordon School, was apprehended after allegations surfaced that he assaulted a student both in the classroom and during lunch on January 29, 2025.

Details of the Incident

According to arrest warrants, the troubling behavior from Rivardo reportedly began when he squeezed a student’s shoulder with such force that it caused the child discomfort. Further accusations detail how he threatened the student with an ominous statement about future behavior, implying that he would resort to more aggression if the student didn’t comply.

In a particularly distressing incident, Rivardo is accused of bending the child’s pinky finger back, causing significant pain. This outrageous conduct led to Rivardo facing two counts of assault and battery in the third degree. As the investigation unfolds, the Greenville County Schools district has placed Rivardo on administrative leave, distancing the institution from the alarming accusations.

Another Teacher Faces Assault Charges

Ester, who brought a wealth of experience to the classroom with 35 years under his belt, is accused of using excessive force against a student named Caleb Hibbs. The incident occurred on August 27, 2024, when Ester reportedly placed Caleb, a student with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, into a “wrist lock” while they were navigating school stairs. Eyewitnesses noted the physical aftermath, as red marks appeared on Caleb’s wrists. The situation escalated as reports surfaced that Ester had slapped the student during this unsettling encounter.

Supporting Evidence and Community Reaction

These serious allegations were not limited to eyewitness accounts. An incident report filed by the Fountain Inn Police Department revealed the disturbing details of Ester’s actions, which were corroborated by video evidence. The implications of this are profound, especially considering Caleb’s prior struggles with communication and heightened signs of anxiety leading up to that fateful day.

Many community members have expressed their outrage and concern over the treatment of students with disabilities, emphasizing the need for schools to provide a safe environment for all children. The Greenville County School District has acknowledged that Ester’s actions were reprehensible and completely outside the boundaries of the training and expectations they provide to their teachers.

Looking Ahead

As both Rivardo and Ester face serious charges, this serves as a wake-up call for schools and communities everywhere. The treatment of students, especially those with special needs, is under a magnifying glass, and it’s essential that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that all children receive the respect and care they deserve within educational settings.

The Simpsonville community, shaken by these incidents, will undoubtedly be watching closely as the legal proceedings for both teachers unfold. It is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and advocacy for students’ rights in schools across the nation.