Wilson County ethics committee dismisses complaint against former teacher of the year

WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Wilson County ethics committee has dismissed an unusual complaint filed against a teacher of the year . The committee said if they were to follow through with proceedings, they would be putting the board at risk of being sued.

The complaint was filed by a newly elected school board member who claimed a Green Hill High School teacher fabricated a story and posted it on social media during his campaign.

It was an applause of approval when the ethics committee board dismissed a complaint filed against Green Hill High School teacher, Janie Johnson.

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“The overwhelming majority of folks that were there were in support of Miss Johnson from teachers, coworkers, parents to a lot of her students,” said Kristi Dunn, who was in attendance.

The complaint , filed by Greg Hohman, asked for disciplinary action, including termination after the newly elected school board member said Johnson took to social media to share an alleged incident that took place during a parent-teacher conference.

According to the post, she overheard Hohman screaming at a teacher. Hohman claims that did not happen and he had the audio recording to prove it. He then filed a complaint against Johnson which then went in front of the ethics committee board.

“Whichever side you’re on, whether you like it or not, we as a board must stay in our lane. If we go outside of this lane we are putting this board at risk of lawsuits,” said Dr. Beth Meyers Monday night.

The ethics committee board has only met a few times in the past five years and it only involved complaints against a school board member.

“This is the only time this has happened in Wilson County, and I don’t know of this happening in any other county either,” Carrie Pfeiffer, outgoing School Board member for Zone 1, said.

Pfeiffer explained they cannot move forward with proceedings and that these matters should be handled through HR. “When a complaint is filed it very, very clearly says it goes through the director of schools and his office.”

Pfeiffer, a former teacher, said these incidents will continue to discourage teachers from speaking up for fear of retaliation. “This has certainly had a chilling effect on teachers in Wilson County.”

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News 2 reached out to Hohman for comment but has yet to receive a response.

Johnson’s attorney sent over this statement: “Janie is pleased with the decision and the basis for the decision. She is thankful for all of the people who have shown overwhelming support leading up to the hearing and all those who came to support her at the hearing.”

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