Springboro parents want ex-teacher’s mom reassigned over court outburst

The lawyer representing parents of 28 Springboro schoolchildren in a lawsuit against the school district, administrators and former teacher John Austin Hopkins wants Hopkins’ mother to be reassigned as a result of her “hurling accusations” at the parents after her son was found guilty of 34 counts of gross sexual imposition and taken into custody Friday night.

On Monday, lawyer Angela Wallace acknowledged the parents’ concern about Lisa Hopkins being around their children was less immediate in light of schools being closed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus threat, but called upon Springboro school officials to find an assignment away from students for the longtime teacher in the district.

“The parents are very concerned in the immediate future about the presence of Lisa Hopkins around their children,” Wallace said. “There’s no way to separate them.”

RELATED: Ex-Springboro teacher guilty on 34 of 36 gross sexual imposition charges with 1st grade girls

In April 2019, after the case against her son surfaced, Lisa Hopkins - employed with Springboro Schools since 1990 - was reassigned to teach fifth grade at Dennis Elementary. She had been teaching second grade at Dennis since 2015.

On Friday, Judge Robert Peeler read the individual verdict forms indicating her son was guilty on 34 of 36 charges. After that, Lisa Hopkins became upset and yelled out a question suggesting the parents were being paid for making the allegations.

John Austin Hopkins was taken into custody, pending sentencing, expected next month.

Peeler said he would have John Austin Hopkins psychologically evaluated before sentencing him.

About the Author