Jacksonville teacher accused of calling black students 'rats' could soon face punishment

Punishment could be coming for a Duval County teacher accused of calling elementary school students "rats" that could "infest the class" and allegedly saying "that's why their race is either dead or in jail."

Action News Jax was the first to tell you about the Carter G. Woodson teacher’s alleged racist remarks in May.

Since Duval County Public Schools launched an investigation, district officials found enough evidence to substantiate further action, the district said.

DCPS said it will "take appropriate action in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement when school resumes for the 2017-2018 school year."

Action News Jax pressed to learn what if any specific punishment could be coming for the teacher, Jordan Cataldo.

It should be noted that DCPS would not confirm the teacher's name.

The school district added "there was enough evidence reviewed by the district that substantiates further action; however, we cannot elaborate on an action that has yet to be defined."

Action News Jax looked on the school district's website and found the Progressive Discipline Policy in the collective bargaining agreement. It listed these possible punishments: verbal reprimand, written reprimand, suspension without pay and termination.

Carter G. Woodson parent Tiera Ross outlined Cataldo’s alleged comments on Action News Jax back in May.

“They're only going to amount to be a bunch of ratchet Walmart workers, and also saying that that's why their race is either dead or in jail,” Ross said.

Friday, Action News Jax went to Cataldo’s home for her side of the story.

A woman on the porch answered to the name Jordan, but then rushed inside. A man there claimed she wasn’t home.

Ross still wants Cataldo fired.

“I’m so infuriated inside that I want to cry, but I’m not,” Ross sad. “I’m going to be strong enough for my daughter to make sure that the situation is taken care of.”

Cox Media Group