Maywood’s superintendent is on leave after an alleged altercation with the boy

A western Nebraska school superintendent has been charged with child abuse after an alleged incident with a student.

Mark Bejot, 64, is charged in Frontier County Court with one count of intentional child abuse – no injury. Bejot is the superintendent of Maywood Public Schools.

According to an arrest affidavit, on Oct. 14, a woman reported her son was at school on Oct. 1 where Bejot asked him to take off his cowboy hat. He then reported a physical altercation.

The affidavit said surveillance footage determined around 2:30 p.m., Bejot approached the woman’s son, who was wearing a cowboy hat, and said something to him. The Frontier County Sheriff said Bejot took off his hat and held it to his side.

The affidavit said Bejot pulled the boy’s arms back before hooking his own hands into the boy’s armpits pulling him back. The sheriff said the boy fell to the floor from a stool.

The affidavit said surveillance footage showed Bejot pushing down on the boy’s shoulders, preventing him from getting up and pulling on the cowboy hat in the boy’s hand.

Bejot then retrieved the hat, the affidavit said, and let the boy climb back up.

In an interview, the sheriff said Bejot claimed he “didn’t hurt the boy” and was “just grabbing his shoulders so he wouldn’t fall straight to the ground.”

A warrant was issued for Bejot’s arrest on Monday. Court records do not indicate whether he was arrested.

Regarding the incident, the Maywood Board of Education commented, “On Monday, October 21, 2024, Maywood Public Schools Superintendent Mark Bejot was placed on paid administrative leave. Col ·placing an employee on administrative leave is not a determination of guilt or a crime.Boards of education are extremely limited in the information they can share with the public about personnel matters, including matters related to the superintendent follow a detailed statutory process for qualified staff The Board will continue to keep members of the community informed as it can The Board remains committed to maintaining a safe and productive learning environment and a school community for all students. The Board appreciates the support the community has and continues to show our outstanding school district and its staff.”