Blount County Commission may ask state lawmakers to strip licenses from teachers convicted of abuse

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Blount County Commission is set to consider a resolution urging state lawmakers to strip licenses or certifications from public servants convicted of abuse or sexual misconduct involving children.

Commissioners approved a resolution last month asking for a thorough into the personnel records from 2004 to now involving sexual misconduct within Blount County Schools. This came after Joseph Dalton, a former physical education coach and teaching assistant, pleaded guilty to five counts of offensive touching .

The resolution to be considered by commissioners on Thursday would urge the Tennessee General Assembly to pass legislation that would strip state certification and retirement benefits from any teacher or public servant convicted of, “any charges related to misconduct of a sexual and/or abusive nature against children.”

It was sponsored by Commissioners Mike Akard, Misty Davis, Jessica Hannah, Scott King, and Steve Mikels.

The commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17 in room 430 of the Blount County Courthouse.

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