A Wilson Central High School teacher who has been fired as softball coach and suspended as a teacher is the subject of a criminal investigation involving a student, according to district and police officials.
Michael Shepard was terminated as Wilson Central’s softball coach and suspended as a math teacher by the school district after an investigation by Wilson County Schools, according to Director of Schools Donna Wright.
The district also has called a board meeting for 3 p.m. Wednesday to hear results of the school investigation, and members can vote whether to terminate Shepard for conduct unbecoming of a teacher.
The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office is conducting its own investigation, according to department spokeswoman Sharon Curtis-Flair.
The investigation involves a student, Curtis-Flair said, but further information hasn’t been released because the investigation is ongoing. School Board Chairman Larry Tomlinson and Wright are aware of the police investigation.
The director of schools may suspend a tenured teacher and bring charges to the board to determine whether findings warrant dismissal, Wilson County School Board attorney Mike Jennings said. If the board votes to dismiss, a teacher then has 30 days after receiving written notice of the board’s decision to appeal and have a hearing before an impartial officer, Jennings said.
Shepard is listed as an algebra and geometry teacher at Wilson Central, where he has been since 2009, according to the school website.
Wilson Central won the Class AAA state championship in 2015 under Shepard.
Efforts to reach Shepard were unsuccessful.
A parent of a student contacted the sheriff’s office, which prompted the police investigation, Curtis-Flair said.
When the sheriff’s office completes its investigation, findings are expected to be presented to the district attorney’s office to determine whether the case will be presented to a grand jury, Curtis-Flair said.
Michael Shepard
Reach Andy Humbles at 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @AndyHumbles.