Maywood superintendent suspended, charges pending

STOCKVILLE, Neb. — Mark Bejot, Superintendent of Maywood Public Schools, has been charged with felony child abuse following an incident involving a student at the school. Bejot, 64, is scheduled to appear in Frontier County Court on November 1, 2024, on charges stemming from an alleged altercation that occurred on Oct. 1, 2024.

According to a Frontier County Sheriff’s Office investigation, the incident involved a confrontation between Bejot and a 12-year-old student in the school’s commons area. Bejot reportedly asked the student to remove a cowboy hat, in accordance with school policy. Surveillance footage and witness statements suggest that Bejot attempted to retrieve the hat after the student resisted, leading to a physical struggle. The superintendent allegedly restrained the student, causing him to fall, and pressed down on the student’s shoulders to prevent him from getting up. The student later reported a minor injury as a result.

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case. Felony child abuse, a Class 3A felony, is punishable by up to three years in prison. An arrest warrant was issued for Bejot earlier this week.

The Maywood Board of Education issued a statement confirming that Bejot has been placed on paid administrative leave. The board emphasized that this action does not imply any determination of guilt or wrongdoing.

Bejot has served as superintendent since July 1, 2020.