January 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM - Special Called Board Meeting

Discussion: 
Additional attendees:

• Attorney, Ms. Virginia McCoy, representing Ms. Cynthia Wieland
• Ms. Cynthia Wieland
• Attorney, Ms. Katherine Kimmel, representing Superintendent Jeffery G. Mayo
• Superintendent, Jeffery G. Mayo

Discussion:  Tenured Teacher Appeal Hearing of Cynthia Wieland:  The Board Members have been provided with the Administrative Hearing record, the Impartial Hearing Officer's Opinion, and Ms. Wieland's timely Appeal Notice.

Ms. Wieland was charged with:

1. Conduct unbecoming to a member of the teaching profession/unprofessional conduct as defined by § T.C.A. 49-5-501; AND
2. Insubordination as defined by § T.C.A. 49-5-501

The Impartial Hearing Officer found that there is substantial evidence in the record to support the recommendation of Superintendent Mayo to dismiss Cynthia Wieland on the basis of unprofessional conduct.

The Impartial Hearing Officer found that there is not substantial evidence in the record to support the recommendation of Superintendent Mayo to dismiss Cynthia Wieland on the basis of insubordination.

Ms. Wieland has timely appealed the Impartial Hearing Officer's Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law that there is substantial evidence in the record to support the recommendation of Superintendent Mayo to dismiss Cynthia Wieland on the basis of unprofessional conduct.

Neither party appealed the Impartial Hearing Officer's Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law that there is not substantial evidence in the record to support the recommendation of Superintendent Mayo to dismiss Cynthia Wieland on the basis of insubordination; therefore, the Hearing Officer's Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law that there is no substantial evidence in the record to support the recommendation of Superintendent Mayo to dismiss Cynthia Wieland on the basis of unprofessional conduct is sustained.

Ms. Wieland is represented by Attorney, Virginia McCoy.  Ms. McCoy was given 10 minutes to speak to the Board.  Ms. Gore was asked to notify Chairperson Benjamin when 10 minutes had expired.

• Start Time:  1:03 p.m.
• End Time: 1:13 p.m. (10:00.62)
• Board members were asked if they had any questions for Ms. McCoy.  Board members did not have questions.

Superintendent Mayo is represented by Attorney, Katherine Kimmel.  Ms. Kimmel was given 10 minutes to speak to the Board.  Ms. Gore was asked to notify Chairperson Benjamin when 10 minutes had expired.

• Start Time: 1:13 p.m.
• End Time: 1:20 p.m. (07:42.76)
• Board members were asked if they had any questions for Ms. Kimmel.  Board members did not have questions.

Chairperson Benjamin provided the options available for the Board to vote on:

• Sustain the Decision of the Hearing Officer;
• Send the record back if additional evidence is necessary;
• Revise the penalty; or
• Reverse the decision.

Discussion: 

January 31, 2024 Minutes Approved on February 26, 2024



_____________________________________
Mr. Scott Benjamin, Board Chair



_____________________________________
Mr. Jeffery G. Mayo, Superintendent