Former Iredell County teachers accused of assaulting child with disabilities

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (WCNC) - Two former Statesville teachers are accused of assaulting a child with disabilities, according to court records. 

2026-08-20

Dawn Golden and Joanne Hutton worked at the Discovery School in the Iredell-Statesville School District. The school serves students in Kindergarten through 21-years-old, with serious cognitive and or behavioral challenges. The school offers specialized instruction, custom classrooms and a high staff-to-student ratio.

Golden and Hutton are facing charges of assaulting an individual with disabilities. Court documents state that there were multiple incidents in December 2025. According to investigators, Golden kicked the child's feet, pushed him to the ground and stepped on his feet. Hutton is accused to bending the boy's hand and wrist backwards.

Iredell-Statesville Schools confirmed both women worked at the school, but it is unclear if the attacks happened on school grounds. 

Golden and Hutton are no longer employed by the school district and a school spokesperson issued the following statement:

Iredell-Statesville Schools takes any allegation of wrongdoing by our employees very seriously and responded quickly to ensure that our students remained safe. We want to make it very clear that ever student deserves to learn in a safe and caring environment.