Controversy Surrounds Resignation/Firing of Virginia Teacher Shot by Student

Abigail Zwerner, the Richneck Elementary teacher who was shot by her first-grade student in January, resigned from her position with Newport News Public Schools effective June 12. The division sent Zwerner a standard exit letter on May 22, which is sent out to all teachers who are not returning the following year. In April, Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the School Board, asserting that administrators failed to keep the school safe. The division refuted claims that Zwerner was fired, stating that she notified them of her intent to resign in a March 13 email exchange with the human resources department.