Smyrna, TN - In a startling turn of events, a Rutherford County school teacher finds themselves embroiled in controversy following allegations of professional misconduct and neglect of duty. Emily Romine, identified as the Director of Schools for Rutherford County Schools, received a notification outlining charges against her pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated 48-5-501 and 511.

 

The charges, which were presented to the Rutherford County Board of Education, propose a 15-day suspension of Stewartsboro Elementary School teacher Emily Romine, stretching from January 31, 2024, through February 20, 2024. Pending approval by the School Board, regular wages would resume for Ms. Romine beginning February 21, 2024. The grounds for this action cite conduct unbecoming to a teacher of the teaching profession and neglect of duty.

 

 

The charges stem from events alleged to have occurred on January 30, 2024, at Stewartsboro Elementary School. It is claimed that Emily Romine initiated forceful physical contact with two students in the school cafeteria during their lunch period. The allegations, supported by camera footage, detail a series of incidents involving the purported use of physical force against the students.

 

Furthermore, Ms. Romine is accused of demonstrating neglect of duty by allegedly engaging in non-school-related activities on her laptop instead of monitoring and assisting students during their lunch period. Camera footage purportedly captured Ms. Romine browsing non-business subject matter on her computer, corroborated by a report from the RCS IT Department confirming the non-business use of her computer during the specified time period.