UPDATE | Boardman teacher charged with domestic violence

CANFIELD — Boardman school officials are expected to take action later today after a teacher was charged with domestic violence and child endangering.

Mary Rowan, 37, of Palmyra Road in Canfield, is accused of pouring baby soap into the mouth of a 9-year-old child.

The incident occurred at her home, and did not involve a student.

She is a intervention specialist at West Boulevard Elementary School.

A Mahoning County Sheriff’s deputy responded to the home Thursday morning, according to a report, for a 911 medical call. There, the deputy reportedly found Rowan crying, holding a tissue to her bloody mouth.

Rowan, who is pregnant, told police that she attempted to discipline a child who is not her own by pouring baby soap in his mouth “for misbehaving.” She reported that a struggle then ensued.

A deputy reported that the child “had several red bruises and scratches on the right side of his face,” according to the report.

Based on observations and interviews at the scene, law-enforcement officials found that Rowan’s attempt at discipline was excessive and that she “had an opportunity to back off.”

Rowan appeared in Mahoning County Area Court here today, where she pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges. She is free on $2,500 bond and is scheduled to be back in court Sept. 13.

Superintendant Tim Saxton said he received a call from the school resource officer about the incident late this morning and said awaiting the full police report of the incident.

Late this afternoon, the district released a statement saying that Saxton "has placed teacher Mary Rowan on administrative leave, while the police investigation into charges against her continues."

In the nine years Rowan has been employed at the school, Saxton said he’s never personally received or heard any complaints about her behavior or actions.

As soon as the report and all the facts are brought to him, Saxton and the school board will discuss what action to take and plan to announce a decision by the end of today.

Saxton added the incident won’t affect the staff preparing for the beginning of the school year.