by Emily Luxen
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Rutherford County Board of Education voted unanimously to fire a teacher under investigation for inappropriate conduct with a student.
The vote came at Wednesday's board meeting. Richard Kimberly is a criminal justice teacher and assistant boys soccer coach at Blackman High School in Murfreesboro. He was suspended without pay last month after the alleged incident with the student.
"I was pleased they sustained the charges," said Director of Schools Harry Gill.
"I think the board spoke pretty clearly on this issue," said Dr. Mark Byrnes, Chair of the Rutherford County Board of Education.
A report from the Rutherford County Board of Education revealed Kimberly allegedly restrained and tickled a student in the back of a school bus on the way home from a soccer game on April 13. Another student said Kimberly touched him at "different pressure points," pulled up his shirt and poked and spanked him in a joking way. Other students confirmed the events.
The investigation also found Kimberly has also had repeated communications with several male students via Twitter, according to authorities.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Department is also investigating the incident. No charges have been filed.
Kimberly has 30 days to appeal the school board's decision, and can request a hearing in front of the board.
The complete memorandum regarding Richard Kimberly and the Rutherford Board of Education- pages 109-116
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