VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - A Valdosta parent alleged in a Facebook post her son was pushed by a teacher at Pinevale Elementary School.

According to Tashari Manning, the incident happened on Wednesday, Nov. 5, when her fourth grade son was transitioning from an elective class.

Manning says she was made aware of the situation outside of school administration, when she was out of town. She says she went to speak school administrators on Monday, Nov. 10.

“My son isn’t the perfect child he has faults and as his mother I advocate for my child I go to that school and check on my child when he’s wrong I put him in his place,” she said. “But if a teacher did put their hands on him and he was defending himself then he should not be punished.”

Manning said she requested to view the camera footage, in addition to asking questions about who witnessed the incident, but she feels the entire incident was swept under the rug.

WALB reached out to VCS regarding the post. The district provided a statement:

“The policy of Valdosta City Schools prohibits comment on specific student discipline or personnel matters, including investigations. However, we are aware of the social media post circulating regarding an alleged incident at Pinevale Elementary School.

District and school administration are aware of the claims and are following all established procedures to review the matter appropriately. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain the foundation of all that we do, and we are committed to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for every member of the VCS family."

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.