PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- A St. Lucie County teacher who let her kindergartners decide whether an autistic child could remain in class is returning to the classroom.

St. Lucie County school board members unanimously approved teacher Wendy Portillo's reinstatement Tuesday night.

Portillo was suspended after she asked her Morningside Elementary class in Port St. Lucie to vote on whether a boy should stay in the class in May 2008.

The 5-year-old student was diagnosed with a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome after the incident, in which classmates voted 14-2 against him.

Officials say Portillo is expected to teach sixth-grade science and reading upon her return.

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