A sixth-grade teacher at Underwood Public School has been charged with malicious punishment of a child after allegedly stepping on a student during a school lockdown drill.
According to court documents, 47-year-old Jason Rogers is accused of stepping on a student’s back during the drill on February 10. The student reported the incident to authorities at Lake Region Healthcare, prompting an investigation by the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office.
The student told deputies they were lying on their stomach as part of the drill when Rogers stepped on them “like a stepping stool” and stood there for several seconds. The student began to cry from the pain.
When questioned, Rogers reportedly told deputies he felt the class wasn’t taking the drill seriously. He admitted to placing his foot on the student’s back and stepping on them to make a point, saying he “hoped the student wasn’t hurt.”
According to investigators, Rogers weighs approximately 350 pounds. He also admitted to stepping on two additional students during the same drill.
Rogers is scheduled to appear in court on April 8.
The Underwood School District has not publicly commented on the incident as of this posting.
Underwood Teacher Charged After Stepping on Student During Lockdown Drill
Mar 28, 2025 | 4:52 AM