"He used poor judgement in what he did, but the kid involved is a jerk."
I want to start by saying that I am not a teacher, but I have an issue with the above statement. Even if this "kid" is not the student he/she should be, threatening them with bodily harm with a weapon is not the solution. If this child is such a nuissance, why hadn't something been done before this about their behavior. It should of never come to this I agree, but what was done was wrong and IMO punishment was light. I have seen other teachers lose their job and their license for their actions or "mental mistake".