Flagstaff teacher faces aggravated assault charge

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - A Flagstaff teacher faces an aggravated assault charge after authorities allege she slapped a kindergartener across the face.

Salina Kinlicheeny is scheduled to have her initial appearance in Flagstaff Justice Court on Jan. 3.

The Arizona Daily Sun reports that the Flagstaff Unified School District's governing board placed Kinlicheeny on paid leave last month.

Kinlicheeney's attorney, Angelee Van Hon, said Friday that her client denies the allegations but declined to comment further, citing the pending cases.

According to a police report, another teacher saw Kinlicheeny slap a boy who earlier was stomping his feet and having a tantrum in the school hallway.

Kinsey Elementary School principal Carolyn Hardy says physical force is not an acceptable form of discipline.