MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Blount County Director of Schools Justin Ridge announced Tuesday that he is pursuing the dismissal of a tenured special education teacher at Heritage High School following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate contact with a student.
Ridge revealed at a recent school board meeting that the teacher, who was placed on administrative leave last month, faces formal charges related to conduct dating back to 2020. At that time, the teacher was employed at Union Grove Middle School when an investigation was launched concerning allegations of unprofessional conduct involving a student. The Department of Child Services ultimately deemed the case inconclusive, and the teacher was subsequently transferred to Heritage High School.
The district became aware of the case only recently during a routine audit conducted by Blount County Human Relations in early 2024. The audit reviewed files from the past decade involving allegations of sexual misconduct between employees and students. According to a human relations supervisor, there is no evidence the Blount County Sheriff’s Office was ever notified about the 2020 investigation.
The teacher’s identity is being withheld as no criminal charges have been filed. It is also notable that at the time of the initial investigation, both of the teacher’s parents were employed by Blount County Schools, with one serving on the Board of Education.
In a statement to the board, Ridge emphasized the district’s commitment to student safety and transparency: “We will not tolerate behavior that endangers the safety, dignity, or wellbeing of our students. And we will not ignore the past misdeeds simply because it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. Although I was not in the role as Director of Schools in 2020, I am here now, and I will lead with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to do what is right.”
Under Tennessee Teacher Tenure Law, a tenured teacher has 30 days after notification of charges to request a hearing before an impartial hearing officer selected by the school board. Following the hearing, the officer has 10 days to submit findings and a recommendation. The school board will then determine whether to uphold the charges and dismiss the teacher. The teacher retains the right to appeal the board’s decision.
