Paulsen v. U.S.D. No. 368

Plaintiff, James E. Paulsen, Jr., brought a personal injury action against his woodworking teacher and U.S.D No. 368 for injuries he sustained while operating a table saw in his woodworking class. Paulsen claimed his teacher had failed to: (1) properly instruct on safe use of the saw; (2) keep the saw in proper working condition; and (3) properly supervise the classroom. He contended that U.S.D. No. 368 had failed to: (1) properly supervise the teacher, and (2) provide a reasonably safe environment for the students. Each of the defendants moved for a directed verdict after the plaintiff had completed his presentation of evidence to the jury. The district court granted the defendants' motions after finding that they had breached no duty to the plaintiff. On February 10, 1982, the plaintiff, James E. Paulsen, Jr., was enrolled in an advanced woodworking class at Paola High School, U.S.D. No. 368. The class was taught by the defendant, Leroy C. Detwiler. Paulsen was working on a project that day which required him to cut several boards. Twenty minutes prior to when Paulsen attempted to use an Oliver table saw, the instructor replaced the saw's blade and left the safety guard lying on the floor beside the table saw. Using the table saw without the safety guard, Paulsen cut several boards and then attempted to reach around with his right hand and remove a scrap of wood that [239 Kan. 181]