The West Hempstead Union Free School District has filed a report with the Nassau County Police Department regarding alleged physical abuse between a former teacher and at least one second-grade student.

A parent of the alleged student victim provided News 12 with a letter sent to them by the district dated last Friday, Feb. 28 confirming the district opened up a case of alleged child abuse in an educational setting.

The parent asked to remain anonymous to protect their child.

Other people in the community including those with kids were outraged by the allegations.

"To hear something like this is a little jarring," one woman said. "You're always concerned when you take your kids to school and you want to make sure that they're in the safest environment."

According to that parent, the teacher, who is no longer employed at Cornwell Avenue Elementary School, allegedly hit their child with his fist, a ruler and other classroom objects last year. The parent claims their son was one of several young student victims.

Other residents weighed in.

"When you send your kids to school, you're sending them to be safe," West Hempstead resident James Griesch said.

West Hempstead Superintendent of Schools Dan Rehman confirmed the investigation in a statement to News 12: "The district is aware of these allegations and has taken all appropriate steps in reporting the claims to the necessary agencies. The individual in question has not been employed with the district since last school year."

The district did not name the teacher.

A Nassau County Police spokesperson told News 12 the department does not comment on child abuse investigations.