schools
Charges: Northland Community School teacher slapped student in classroom
By Emily Baude at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· June 29, 2026
· 1 min read
A Northland Community School teacher is facing charges for allegedly slapping a student in a classroom in May.
Kristen Anne Panchyshyn, 52, of Cohasset, was charged last week in Cass County with one count of fifth-degree assault, according to court records.
A May 26 video from Panchyshyn’s ...
Key takeaway Kristen Anne Panchyshyn, 52, of Cohasset, was charged last week in Cass County with one count of fifth-degree assault, according to court records.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The charges against Kristen Anne Panchyshyn raise questions about teacher conduct and student safety in Minneapolis -area schools. As the case moves forward, the community will be watching to see how Northland Community School responds to the allegations and whether Panchyshyn's employment status is affected. The fact that the incident occurred in a classroom setting, during in-school suspension, highlights the need for schools to ensure that students are safe and supported, even in disciplinary situations. The use of physical force by a teacher is a serious concern, and the outcome of this case may have implications for teacher training and accountability in Hennepin County schools. The court arraignment on July 20 will be a key milestone in the case, and the community will be awaiting further information on the school's response and any potential consequences for Panchyshyn.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Northland Community School teacher is facing charges for allegedly slapping a student in a classroom in May.
Kristen Anne Panchyshyn, 52, of Cohasset, was charged last week in Cass County with one count of fifth-degree assault, according to court records.
A May 26 video from Panchyshyn’s ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Baude at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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