ODELL, Neb. (AP) - A veteran teacher has been accused of slapping a student in southeast Nebraska.

The incident occurred last week in an agriculture classroom at Diller-Odell High School in Diller. Authorities say a student was leaning against or otherwise moving a desk, causing the desk legs to make a squeaking noise. The teacher told the student to stop moving the desk and, while standing behind the student, slapping a side of the boy's face.

The teacher described it to a Gage County Sheriff's Office investigator as a light slap. The teacher was ticketed for misdemeanor assault. Online court records don't yet show that he's been formally charged.

Superintendent Mike Meyerle declined to comment Tuesday but said the teacher had worked 31 years for the district.