Florida Assistant Principal Accused of Making Middle School Student Massage Her Feet
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An assistant principal at a middle school in Florida is facing serious charges after allegedly instructing a student to rub her feet. Dr. Keiva Lark, 53, has been placed on administrative leave by the school and is now facing charges of lewd/lascivious conduct and lewd offense against a student by an authority figure, as stated in a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.
According to the affidavit, a deputy from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted interviews at Lake Marion Creek Middle School following the incident on April 4. An eighth-grade student reported being removed from class by Lark and taken to her office. Once in her office, the student claimed Lark complained of foot pain and requested the student to massage her feet. The student complied, but was told he was not doing it correctly. Lark then proceeded to demonstrate the desired foot massage technique by rubbing the student’s arms, stating, “I am teaching you foreplay.”
Mekia Scarvers, a behavioral interventionist present in the room at the time, confirmed the student’s account. Scarvers stated that Lark placed her bare feet on the student’s lap and instructed him to massage them, while also allegedly instructing the student to rub her feet as if he loved her.
Another student, a female witness to the incident, reported seeing the student massaging Lark’s feet for around 30 minutes. If the student failed to massage Lark’s feet correctly, the female student claimed Lark would massage his biceps instead. The affidavit detailed Lark’s disturbing comments about ‘foreplay’ and preparing the student for future relationships.
During a subsequent interview at her residence, Lark admitted to feeling the need to “humble” the student as previous disciplinary methods had been ineffective. She acknowledged her actions were inappropriate and unprofessional, although she claimed to have no recollection of inappropriate physical contact or comments towards the student.
Following her arrest on April 10 by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Lark is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Superintendent Fred Heid of the Polk County Public School condemned Lark’s behaviour, stating, “This is abhorrent behaviour for anyone who works among students, especially an administrator. This person no longer has any business being around children.” Sheriff Grady Judd also criticized Lark’s actions, emphasizing the inappropriate nature of her conduct towards a middle school student.
At present, Lark does not have legal representation assigned to her case and has not provided any comment on the allegations. In light of this distressing incident, it is vital for educational institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of students remains a top priority. Such cases highlight the importance of vigilant supervision and immediate reporting of any concerning behaviour towards students.