Huntsville, Alabama, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Brandy Taylor, a special education teacher at Hampton Cove Middle School, has been suspended due to revelations about her 2017 arrest for 3rd degree assault involving a child. The school district is conducting an internal review, and officials assure that she will not have contact with students during this time. Principal Kris Martinez emphasized the priority of student safety and the importance of a thorough investigation into Taylor’s past actions. A substitute teacher will take her place while the review is ongoing, and the community is being kept informed about the situation.
Huntsville, Alabama – Brandy Taylor, a special education teacher at Hampton Cove Middle School, has been suspended following concerns regarding her past legal issues. This internal personnel review comes after it was revealed that Taylor was arrested in 2017 for 3rd degree assault involving a child. School officials have assured that she will not have contact with students during this review, and a substitute teacher will take over her responsibilities in the meantime.
The 2017 arrest stemmed from an incident in which Taylor was accused of hitting, biting, and beating a child with a belt while teaching in Albertville. After her arrest, she resigned from her teaching position but later appealed the ruling. The appeal led to a finding of guilt for harassment instead of assault. Despite these past issues, Taylor became a teacher for the Huntsville City Schools district in 2020, passing all required background checks mandated by the Alabama State Department of Education during her hiring process.
Principal Kris Martinez of Hampton Cove Middle School has addressed the community’s concerns regarding Taylor’s past actions. In a statement, the principal emphasized that the school prioritizes student safety and is devoted to conducting a thorough and transparent review. The decision to suspend Taylor arose from the incident that predates her tenure at the school, so it is being treated with seriousness as part of the internal investigation process.
The school district is taking necessary precautions to ensure that students are well-cared for while the review is ongoing. Affected students will be assigned to a substitute teacher, allowing for continued educational support in Taylor’s absence. The principal has requested patience and understanding from families and the broader community, affirming that the investigation will proceed diligently and with care for the students involved.
As more details surface surrounding Taylor’s 2017 incident and the current review process, further updates are expected. The community remains attentive to how this situation evolves, especially concerning the safety and welfare of students at Hampton Cove Middle School.
Background Context
Brandy Taylor’s past case has raised significant concern within the community of Huntsville. The assault charge from 2017 occurred while she was in another school district, leading to her eventual resignation from that position. Following her appeal and subsequent guilty ruling on harassment charges, Taylor re-entered the educational field in Huntsville, where she has been employed for three years.
The situation underscores the importance of conducting thorough background checks for individuals in educational roles, particularly those in direct contact with vulnerable populations, such as children. Taylor’s case illustrates the ongoing debates surrounding teacher accountability and the measures that schools must take to ensure student safety.
FAQ
Why was Brandy Taylor suspended from Hampton Cove Middle School?
Brandy Taylor was suspended due to concerns about her past arrest for 3rd degree assault involving a child in 2017.
What happened in the 2017 incident involving Taylor?
In 2017, Taylor was arrested for hitting, biting, and beating a child with a belt while she was teaching in Albertville, leading to her resignation.
What are the current measures taken by the school regarding this situation?
While the review is conducted, Taylor will not have contact with students, and a substitute teacher will be assigned to affected classes.
How is the school district responding to the community’s concerns?
The principal has assured the community of a thorough review process while emphasizing the importance of student safety and requesting understanding during the investigation.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Teacher Name | Brandy Taylor |
| School | Hampton Cove Middle School |
| Suspension Reason | Past assault charges |
| Previous Incident Date | 2017 |
| Incident Details | 3rd degree assault involving a child |
| School District Join Date | 2020 |
| Current Status | Suspended pending review |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teacher Suspended Amid Assault Charges Review
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Federal Judge Blocks Cuts to Teacher Training Funds
Additional Resources
- WAFF: Huntsville Special Education Teacher Under Review
- WHNT: HCMS Releases Statement on Teacher’s Prior Assault Arrest
- KBTX: Two Huntsville Teachers Arrested
- FOX26: Two Huntsville ISD Educators Arrested
- Wikipedia: Special Education
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
