Teacher arrested at Greenland Pines Elementary School in Mandarin

Jacksonville, FL — A second-grade teacher at Mandarin’s Greenland Pines Elementary School was arrested following an argument and dust-up with an officer.

The school district tells WOKV News that Stephanie Leuluai was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer following Tuesday’s police response to the principal’s office.

According to DCPS, Leuluai was exhibiting belligerent behavior toward administration.  Leuluai had been under investigation by the Duval School Board and DCF, according to an arrest report.  Due to the severity of the case she was being reassigned while the investigation was ongoing.  As the principal and assistant principal were notifying her of the reassignment, Leuluai became enraged and aggressive, according to the report.

During a struggle with an officer, Leuluai was pepper sprayed, then refused treatment by Jacksonville Fire and Rescue.

Even after she was put in handcuffs, Leuluai continued to yell insults and veiled threats at the officers, school office staff and JFRD.  She was taken to a hospital for treatment and later booked into jail on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and trespassing on school grounds after a warning.

The school was placed on a Code Yellow to ensure students remained secure in the classroom during the arrest.

Leuluai is now out of the classroom, and the school’s principal says they are working toward a long-term replacement.