Two teachers were placed on administrative leave and are facing misdemeanor charges after turning themselves into the Polk County Jail on Tuesday, according to officials from the Polk School District.

The Polk County Sheriffs Office arrest report noted this morning that Camela Carter Mears, 49, of 874 Pine Pitch Road, Cedartown, and Mary E Seyler, 49, of 354 Fairview Drive, Dallas, both turned themselves in on misdemeanor charges in what the Polk School District Police Department noted were separate incidents.

Both were charged with battery and reckless conduct, and both had been released on bond, each set at $2,000. Neither remained in jail for longer than a day.

PSDPD Chief Michael McGee noted that the pair of teachers were involved in separate incidents involving two different students at two different schools. Per PSD pages, Mears is a pre-school special education teacher. Seyler taught special education at Cedartown High School as well.

Both remain on administrative leave, but have been recommended for termination based on personnel decisions made by the school board during their regular session on Tuesday evening, May 10.

The Polk School District via Superintendent Dr. Katie Thomas made the following statement about the arrests:

“The Polk School District Board of Education is aware of the arrests and will thoroughly review each matter to determine what disciplinary action may be appropriate. The District generally does not comment on specific personnel matters.

At this point, the only comment we can offer is that the incidents are unrelated and are currently under investigation by the Polk School District Police Department. Both employees will remain on administrative leave with pay until the Board makes this determination.

As always, the District’s primary concern is the safety and security of its students.”

Check back for any additional details as they become available.