The mother of a former Francis Scott Key Middle School student is seeking $3 million in damages from HISD because a teacher allegedly beat her son and broke his arm after he was late to class.

Lisa Bunse, a Houston Independent School District spokeswoman, said the teacher, Rollin Flannel, was fired after the November 2000 incident, but she would not comment further because the district had not been served with the lawsuit.

Sharon Law said her son Corey Moreland was late to class at his northeast Houston school, and Flannel "ordered students to `get Corey' or he would get them."

Moreland broke away but returned later and was restrained by classmates while Flannel paddled him and slammed him to the ground, the suit said.

Law said Moreland's arm became stuck in a "drop ladder" and was broken when Flannel continued applying pressure.

Flannel allegedly tried to force Moreland's arm back into place before calling for help. Moreland was later taken to a hospital.

Law said she had previously told HISD not to administer corporal punishment to Moreland, including paddling.

Attorneys for Law and Moreland did not return calls seeking comment.