Schools

Friendship School Principal Charged in Assault Against Play Director

Head of school Teresa Ankney assaulted play director Pippa Duggan in front of students participating in a play, according to court documents.

A principal at an Eldersburg private school has been charged in an assault on a teacher that allegedly occurred in front of students, according to court documents.

Teresa Ankney, current principal of , has been charged with one count of second-degree assault.

She is accused of grabbing teacher and drama production Director Pippa Duggan in a Dec. 16 incident that occurred after Ankney fired Duggan for budgetary reasons. Duggan was employed at the school for seven years.

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According to court documents, Ankney handed Duggan a letter informing her she had been fired. When Ankney realized they were in front of a group of students and staff, she grabbed Duggan by the right arm and pulled her into the gym, slamming the door, the documents allege.

Duggan told police Ankney started yelling and insisted she gather her belongings. When Duggan tried to do so, Ankney threatened to call the police, the documents said.

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The trial is scheduled for March 15.

The Friendship school, located in Eldersburg, is a private, non-profit facility for students with dyslexia. 


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