The Bradley County Board of Education's dismissal of a fourth-grade teacher, Susan Elliott, was reversed this week.
Ms. Elliott had been dismissed because of domestic assault charges filed against her in 2012. The case was expunged because the alleged assault victim said he no longer wished to file charges.
Bradley County Director of Schools Johnny McDaniel said, "I learned today of Chancellor Brown's decision to reverse the Board of Education's dismissal of Susan Elliott. While I respect Chancellor Brown and the office he holds, I must also respectfully disagree with his decision. I stand by my original belief that Ms. Elliott's actions on and off campus warranted her dismissal, a belief that was shared by an impartial hearing officer and a majority of the Bradley County Board of Education.
"In my role as director of schools, I am obligated to educate and protect Bradley County children who attend our schools each and every day. I did not take my recommendation to dismiss Ms. Elliott lightly, but I would make it again to ensure our students are provided with only professional and responsible teachers.
"Members of the board of education must soon determine whether the school system will appeal the chancellor's decision. If the board decides not to appeal, the school system will abide by the chancellor's order and reinstate Susan Elliott as a tenured teacher. As even the chancellor agreed, however, returning to Hopewell Elementary would be in neither the school system nor Ms. Elliott's best interest."