Spring ISD principal ‘takes responsibility' for comments about special needs student

Ponderosa Elementary School Principal Shanna Swearingen, in Spring ISD, has apologized for a disparaging comment she made about a student who is in special education. Swipe through to see some of the highest paid principals in the Houston area. less Ponderosa Elementary School Principal Shanna Swearingen, in Spring ISD, has apologized for a disparaging comment she made about a student who is in special education. Swipe through to see some of the highest ... more Photo: Spring ISD Photo: Spring ISD Image 1 of / 65 Caption Close Spring ISD principal ‘takes responsibility' for comments about special needs student 1 / 65 Back to Gallery

A Spring ISD principal has apologized for a comment she made regarding an elementary school student in special education.

Ponderosa Elementary School Principal Shanna Swearingen was overheard saying the comment regarding the student, who has a history of running from class, on April 17 in front of three staff members, Click2Houston reported.

"We won't chase him. We will call the police and tell them he has a gun so they can come faster," Swearingen said.

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Swearingen's comment found its way to a Spring neighborhood Facebook page. The principal ended up reporting her actions to the district and "taking full accountability for the inappropriateness of the comment," Spring ISD spokeswoman Karen Garrison said in a statement.

Garrison would not discuss whether any disciplinary actions were taken against Swearingen.

"We are aware of the situation regarding a thoughtless and insensitive comment made by the Ponderosa Elementary School principal to three staff members. As a diverse district committed to dignity and respect for all, we take this incident very seriously," Garrison added. "While the comment was made in jest, it was inappropriate and should never have been made."

Fernando Alfonso III is a digital reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @fernalfonso.