A mother’s worst nightmare has become a stark reality for one Collin County family, leaving parents everywhere questioning the safety of their children in the classroom. But here’s where it gets controversial: What happens when the very person entrusted with your child’s care becomes the source of their pain? Danielle Broomfield is demanding justice after her 5-year-old daughter, Evelyn, came home with unexplained marks on her arm—allegedly caused by her teacher at Hendricks Elementary in Anna. This incident, which occurred on October 8, has sparked a heated debate about accountability and the limits of discipline in schools.
Evelyn, described by her mother as a vibrant and energetic child, was reportedly injured when her teacher, Mikaela Priest, lifted her forcefully out of her chair. Broomfield told NBC 5, ‘My daughter is a ball of energy, but that doesn’t justify leaving marks on her arm that lasted for five days.’ The incident came to light when another teacher noticed the marks and asked Evelyn about them. Her response? ‘My teacher did it.’
And this is the part most people miss: During a meeting with school administrators and police, Evelyn recounted that Priest had picked her up out of her seat and placed her in a timeout—but the force used was excessive, leaving visible bruises. Broomfield’s emotions are raw: ‘It’s instant heartbreak. You want to protect your child, but you also have to trust the legal system to do its job.’
Anna ISD acted swiftly, sending Priest home the same day the marks were reported and terminating her employment two days later. In a statement, the district emphasized its commitment to student safety, stating, ‘The alleged actions of this individual do not reflect the standards or values of our district.’ But for Broomfield, this isn’t enough. ‘There are other ways to handle a misbehaving child,’ she said. ‘Physical marks like these are completely unacceptable.’
Priest was arrested on Saturday and charged with felony injury to a child. Broomfield is unwavering in her stance: ‘I don’t care how the legal process plays out. She should never be allowed near children again.’ Here’s the controversial question: Should teachers accused of such actions be permanently barred from the profession, or does everyone deserve a second chance? Weigh in below—this is a conversation that demands your voice.
