A veteran social worker has lost her job with Richmond Public Schools after a 20-month fight.

The School Board rejected a request from Robin Spears for a hearing and instead voted July 10 to accept Superintendent Jason Kamras’ recommendation that she not be offered a new contract.

Ms. Spears had been on leave since November 2021 after being accused of hitting an unruly 6-year-old while trying to bring him under control in an after-school program she headed.

She denied that she hit the child, and two adults who were in the room when the incident occurred supported her version. She also was acquitted of an assault charge based on the incident in both city General District and Circuit Court by judges who heard the evidence.

Mr. Kamras, however, accepted the allegation and ultimately urged the board to end its relationship with Ms. Spears.

There is no evidence that the Richmond Education Association, the union that represents teachers and other licensed professionals, intervened to support Ms. Spears’ effort to keep her position.

Ms. Spears had been an RPS employee since 2008. She could not immediately be reached for comment.