A Toronto principal convicted of assault for throwing feces at a young boy will not face disciplinary action from the Ontario College of Teachers.
Maria Pantalone's lawyer Michael Caroline told the Toronto Star there will not be any hearing in relation to the incident.
The college, the governing body for the province's teachers, normally conducts its own investigation after a member is found guilty of a criminal offence. The probe determines if the matter could amount to professional misconduct.
"Neither the Toronto District School Board or the Ontario College of Teachers are proceeding with any disciplinary action," Caroline told the newspaper. "... Upon reading the reasons of the court, they were satisfied that the requirement of potential danger to students was non-existent."
Pantalone, who was principal of Keele Street Junior Public School and Mountview Alternative, will likely return to work for the board in September. She is currently on leave, with pay, the Star reports.
She also remains a member in good standing with the college.
Pantalone pleaded guilty April 2 to one charge of assault against a child who was not a student at her school.
The incident took place away from her school almost a year ago while the 49-year-old was trying to discipline the 11-year-old, court heard.
While details of the case are covered by a publication ban, as is the identity of the boy, Pantalone said she committed the act as a result of "total, total frustration."
Pantalone apologized for her actions. She was given an absolute discharge, meaning she will not have a criminal record.
"I'm satisfied that due process has happened," board Chair Sheila Ward told the Star, adding she's "pleased there seems to be a very fair result."
Grant Bowers, the board's in-house counsel, said Pantalone's case "did not amount to professional misconduct." He said it's unlikely she will be assigned as principal to a school in the fall given the publicity of the incident.
"I'm sure she's been through a lot ... and probably needs to come back gradually," he told the newspaper.
"She is a qualified principal and really there's no reason not to reassign her."
Pantalone, the sister of Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, began teaching in 1985. She was named acting principal of Keele and Mountview in 2001 and later became principal.