Madera teacher in jail on domestic violence charge

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- Madera County Sheriff's deputies arrested Jack Bush last week after they say he assaulted his former live-in girlfriend. The 44 year old is still employed as a teacher at Parkwood Elementary in Madera.

Many parents at Parkwood Elementary were surprised to learn teacher Jack Bush is facing criminal charges.

John Bolton said, "Domestic violence, even though the kids don't know about it still affects them the way parents look at him and stuff like that."

Madera County Sheriff's deputies arrested Bush at his home just a mile from the campus. Court documents show prosecutors have charged him with one felony count of inflicting corporal injury on a woman he used to live with on August 20th. And one misdemeanor count for violating a court order to prevent domestic violence the very next day. A bail bonds company posted $25,000 for his release, but jail records show he was re-arrested. This investigation comes less than one year after at least three parents claimed bush encouraged students to put duct tape over their mouths.

"I think with this guy having priors from last year with the duct tape incident they should have did more research on him before going through with him this year I think."

Superintendent Edward Gonzalez says he can't comment on the duct tape case because of existing litigation. And he told us at this point there is no connection between the domestic violence charges and Bush's job with the district. But several parents say they're no longer comfortable having him in the classroom.

Bolton explained, "I think it still affects the way he teaches the kids because the kids look up to him as a role model so they see him as a figure that they can look up to."

Last year a lot of parents defended Bush, saying he was just joking around with the students and that he's a great teacher.

Wednesday, some parents also told us they think he's a good educator, but others said he has a history of strange behavior and they don't think he should be around kids.

Bush is scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning.