Cristie Castagno, a teacher at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, was arrested on charges of second-degree assault and harassment on Monday, August 18, 2025.
She was being held on a $900 bond but has been released.
Cristie Castagno is a passionate educator with years of experience teaching young learners.
She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and began her teaching career in Florida in 2002.
She spent her first two years in Florida teaching kindergarten before transitioning to preschool for four years. After seven years in Florida, she returned to Arkansas in 2009 and taught preschool for another five years.
Cristie remained committed to providing the best opportunities and continued her passion for teaching at Franklin Academy as a kindergarten teacher.
She had made a positive impact with her experience, dedication, and heart for education.
Cristie Castagno Arrested for Alleged Assault at Catholic School
According to the Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD), a former teacher at Immaculate Conception Catholic School was arrested Monday following allegations of misconduct involving a student.
She was booked into the Sebastian County Jail on charges of second-degree assault and harassment.
Cristie Castagno was arrested around 1 p.m. on August 18 and later released on a $900 bond. Police confirmed that the incident involved a child who attended the school.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services investigated after visiting the preschool on April 28, 2025.
Their report cited violations of state childcare regulations, specifically prohibiting physical discipline such as hitting, pinching, or other harmful actions.
The following activities or threats of such activities are unacceptable as behavior guidance measures and shall not be used for children. These include, but are not limited to the following: Inflicting physical pain, hitting, pinching, pulling hair, slapping, kicking, twisting arms, biting or biting back, spatting, swatting, etc.
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Despite the allegations, Cristie’s teaching license remained valid at the time of her arrest.
Records from the Arkansas Educator Licensure System showed she had passed a background check on July 10, 2025, and was certified to teach early childhood or K-12.
Authorities have not released further details about the incident, but the case remains under investigation.
Parents and community members have expressed concern over the allegations, prompting discussions about school safety and teacher accountability.
Cristie Castagno is a Proud Mother of 3 Kids
Cristie Castagno is a devoted mother of three who began her journey when she moved to Florida in 2002 with her firstborn son, Loren.
She met Ralph, and the couple married in December 2005. Together, they welcomed two more children, Charlie and Mary Belle, completing their loving family.
After seven years in Florida, the Castagno family returned to Arkansas in 2009, where Cristie embraced her role as a supportive and hands-on mom.
Her sons, Loren and Charlie, developed a passion for baseball at an early age, playing both league and travel ball since they were three.
Cristie, a self-proclaimed baseball lover, has spent countless hours cheering them on from the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Mary Belle found her calling in dance, dedicating herself to the art form since she was three years old.
Happy Mother’s Day to the strongest woman I know. Sometimes we have our moments where we don’t see eye to eye but I love you soooo much. Thank you for always being there no matter what and doing anything and everything for us. Thank you for taking me all over the place for baseball. Thank you for being my number one fan no matter what. Thank you for always trying to pick me back up after a tough game even though I didn’t want to hear it I needed it. You’re the best mom and I’m so glad I get to call you my mom. Today is for you, Cristie Taylor Castagno, and I love you to the moon and back.
Charlie Castagno
Cristie’s unwavering support for her children’s dreams led her to make a significant sacrifice. She moved back to Florida alone for a year to establish residency so Mary Belle could audition for the prestigious BAC School of the Arts.
Her efforts paid off, as Mary Belle is now officially a Rangerette and has moved into her dorm at Kilgore College.
Charlie balances his roles as a head chef at The Krusty Krab and a student-athlete.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Cristie Taylor Castagno, the daughter of Mary Leigh Taylor, was born on November 6, 1974, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
- She attended Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
