BOISE, Idaho — The Caldwell preschool teacher accused of abusing her special education students in early 2023 entered a plea agreement in court Tuesday.
Kerry Black, 45, pleaded guilty to three counts of disturbing the peace, and with the plea agreement, her October trial was vacated. As previously reported, Black initially was facing 11 counts of injury of a child and pleaded not guilty on March 3, 2023.
During her March 2023 court appearance, the state requested Black wear a GPS monitor to ensure she doesn't go near schools and she follows the no-contact order previously issued. Black's defense attorney agreed to the GPS monitor.
Black was a special education teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, and the Caldwell Police Department alleged she hit, spanked, and forcefully turned the heads of preschool-aged children.
Ada County Sheriff's deputies arrested her at her home on Feb. 17, 2023, on her initial injury to a child charges.
Teachers who spoke to police about Black said she began exhibiting aggressive behavior two years prior to her arrest.
In a probable cause affidavit submitted by Caldwell Police Detective and school resource officer Kristopher Wallin, the detective states he got a message from the principal at Lincoln Elementary on Feb. 14, 2023, informing him the school received multiple complaints, from six school staff members, about alleged physical abuse by Black.
Black's sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 16, 2024.