The McEwen, Tennessee school board called an emergency session Monday night to deal with the case of Martha Sanders, the third grade teacher who switched classes with fellow third grade teacher Lisa Brown.
“We plan to discuss the ramifications that Mrs Sanders’ actions will have on the school, the community, and the state education system,” Barbara Thompkins, a school board member, said as she hurried to join the rest of the board members inside The Hot Stop. The board has been meeting in the local restaurant since a tornado damaged the prior school board meeting place, Bucket ‘O Chicken, in 1998.
An anonymous source said that on Monday, 16 May 2005, Mrs Martha Sanders, 39, approached fellow teacher Miss Lisa Brown, 26, before the morning bell sounded and asked her if she would switch classes with her for the day on Monday, 23 May 2005. Upon considering added incentives not disclosed to the source, Miss Brown accepted the offer. Authorities are investigating to determine the legality of the situation and whether any bribes were involved.
“The bottom line is, I think, that we have two teachers that conspired against the system set forth by the administration to provide due education to the students that we are entrusted with,” said school principal Deke “Red” Johnson. “Whether this is a case of illegal doings or whether it is just a case of mistrust doesn’t lessen the severety that it has caused to our school and community.”
Mrs Sanders said by phone that the arrangement “was not illegal in any way” and that she “could not disclose” what exchanges may have been made to secure the deal.
Sources close to the investigation describe Sanders’ class as “unruly, medevial, smelly, rude, twits” that “need a low bottom ass whoopin’.”
Others in the community say that the whole situation is “hogwash”.
“I don’t know why they’re so upset about them two teachers yonder switchin’ up,” Brad Unland, a local resident, said. “When we got the flashers down at the courthouse on the fritz and the sewage backin’ up downtown. They ought to focus on the important things.”
“We don’t know if this will lead to any suspensions or criminal charges,” principal Johnson said, “but we’ll sure let you know if it does.”
— Staff Reporter — bs