The Brown County Schools Board of Trustees unanimously approved an agreement May 17 that will result in a Brown County High School teacher resigning at the end of this school year.
English teacher Dustin Robinson was placed on paid administrative leave on May 9. The grounds were neglect of duty and “other good or just cause,” said Superintendent Laura Hammack.
The notice was served after a student shared a video of an incident in Robinson’s classroom, which showed “concerns about the safety and security in the classroom environment,” Hammack said after the May 17 board meeting. The student showed the video to another teacher in the building; that teacher shared it with high school Principal Shane Killinger, who then shared it with Hammack.
Hammack would not comment on the specific details of the video, but did say that it did not contain any illegal or immoral behavior. “That’s really important and was a component of the investigation. We wanted to ensure that there was no criminal behavior,” she said.
The case was immediately forwarded to the Department of Child Services, but the agency did not pursue opening a case. “So, (there was) no criminality,” Hammack said.
“It is protocol, absolutely (to notify DCS). When we’re thinking primarily of the welfare of the boys and girls, that’s always our first step,” she said.
No students were hurt in the video, she said.
Robinson, of Bloomington, taught higher-level English classes. Those classes are being covered by retired English teacher Alice Mannix until the end of the school year.
Robinson requested a private conference with Hammack to discuss Killinger’s preliminary decision to cancel his contract. Robinson was placed on paid administrative leave during that due process period from May 9 to 16. He is now on unpaid administrative leave until June 30 when his resignation is effective, according to the agreement.
He will be allowed to participate in the school corporation’s group health insurance plan until Aug. 31.
The school corporation accepted his resignation and will not proceed with cancelling his contract, the agreement states.
“For the last four years, I have dedicated myself to the mission/vision of Brown County Schools to the best of my capacity as an educator,” Robinson wrote in his resignation letter to Hammack dated May 17.
“At this juncture, however, I believe that it is in the best interest of the students/families of the Nashville community, as well as the best professional decision for myself and family, to separate from Brown County Schools.”
He released an additional statement when asked for further comments last week.
“Our time with Brown County Schools will certainly be cherished and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Eagles tradition and to have had the continued support from community members. With that said, however, we are reminded of Isaiah 48:17, in that God will lead us where we should go. We trust in Him as we move forward with our lives,” he said.
