KILEEN, Texas – A substitute teacher at a Killeen Independent School District was removed from campus after putting tape over the mouths of 10 students on Thursday, according to the district.

The substitute teacher, who was teaching in a fifth-grade classroom at Maxdale Elementary School, was immediately removed from the classroom and barred from the school's campus as a result of the "outrageous and unconscionable behavior."

The school district released a statement:

"A substitute teacher in a fifth-grade classroom at Maxdale Elementary School today put duct tape over the mouths of 10 students. Three other students put duct tape over their own mouths as a result of the substitute teacher’s actions. This incident continued for several minutes. As soon as school leaders learned of this incident, all 13 students were taken to the school nurse for observation and any treatment necessary. All 13 students are well and continued with their classes afterwards.

"The substitute teacher was immediately removed from the classroom and barred from the campus as a result of this outrageous and unconscionable behavior. The school leadership notified Child Protective Services of the event, and we will work closely in support of any additional investigation by law enforcement as needed.

"The leadership of Maxdale Elementary School and Killeen ISD are deeply saddened by this event. The principal has informed parents, and has reassured parents that the staff will continue to work hard to make sure every child at the campus is absolutely safe every day."