Ohio teacher pleads not guilty in bullying case

PARMA, Ohio (AP) — A substitute teacher has pleaded not guilty to a child-endangering charge stemming from allegations that a 14-year-old developmentally disabled boy was bullied in gym class at a suburban Cleveland high school.

Police say the boy was knocked down by a volleyball thrown at his head, then was kicked and dragged around by his feet last month at Parma Senior High School. Police say the teacher continued class in another part of the gym while the teen remained on the floor.

The instructor, 49-year-old Gregg Mellinger, entered his plea today in Parma Municipal Court. His attorney, Kevin Cafferkey, declined to comment on the case.

Five students also were charged as juveniles with assault or disorderly conduct.

Authorities say the boy wasn’t seriously hurt. School officials called the conduct unacceptable.