Former elementary teacher charged with allegedly assaulting minors

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A former teacher with New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) is facing misdemeanor charges of assaulting two minors, according to a criminal summons.

A criminal summons for Brittany Wells Kosch was issued on Oct. 9 for two counts of misdemeanor assault on a child under the age of 12.

She was an exceptional children’s teacher at Anderson Elementary, according to WHQR.

Court records state that Kosch slapped one child in the head and neck and kicked a second child in the abdomen on Sept. 11, 2025.

WHQR reports that Superintendent Dr. Christopher Barnes was notified of the incident on Sept. 19.

Barnes told WHQR that NHCS complied with all appropriate reporting requirements for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), social services, and law enforcement.

Barnes explained that he did not inform the public because he didn’t want to interfere with the police investigation. He stated, “I need the police to have as clear a runway as possible.” Barnes told WHQR that once law enforcement finishes its investigation, the district will do its own review of the incident.

NHCS acknowledged in a statement that a complaint was filed against a former staff member.

NHCS states that Kosch was hired in August 2015 and resigned on Sept. 26, 2025.

NHCS released the following statement:

WECT has reached out to officials for more information.