Life skills teacher intends to subpoena media records

NEBRASKA CITY – A Nebraska City school teacher accused of abusing a student in her life skills class has filed a notice to subpoena media reports regarding their contacts with the alleged victim’s mother.

News Channel Nebraska reported on Jan. 5 that a life skills teacher had been accused of abusing a student with a known heart condition and the Omaha World-Herald published a story the following day including statements from the student’s mother, Jennifer Egri.

In the days that followed, television stations in Omaha and Lincoln broadcasts stories that included interviews with the mother. The intent to subpoena names KLKN and KOLN in Lincoln and KETV in Omaha.

The World-Herald article included a statement from the teacher’s attorney, Bill Bianco of Omaha, saying the teacher maintains her innocence and noting that she has nearly three decades in teaching with no incidents.

The defense is also seeking records from Nebraska City High School pertaining to the student’s individual education plan, attendance and discipline reports.

Nebraska City police are being asked to supply information regarding contact with the alleged victim, including his participation in the honorary police program.

The teacher, Melissa Valenta, is scheduled for a pre-trial conference in district court on April 17.