MHS teacher cleared on allegations

The investigation involving a Marianna High School teacher accused of using a racial slur has ended.
MHS American history teacher Jimmie Green remains employed at the high school, and was not disciplined because no discipline was warranted, according Jackson County Deputy Superintendent of Schools Larry Moore.
“I’m just glad it’s over. I did nothing wrong and I’m glad that the school officials reached that conclusion,” said Green.
Moore said he did not know all of the details of the alleged incident because MHS Principal Randy Ward conducted the investigation and reported the outcome to school board administration.
Green said he didn’t really know the details of the allegation either.
“It’s still a complete mystery to me,” said Green.
In a letter from a parent to Superintendent Danny Sims,  Green was accused of using a racial slur and cursing in a classroom.
The allegation was made a few days after a Marianna Middle School teacher was suspended for telling students in more than one of his classes about an acronym for the word change, including that the letter ‘n’ in in the word change stood for a racial expletive, and wrote that explanation on the board.
Greg Howard, a seventh grade social studies teacher at MMS, was initially placed on suspension while the investigation into the allegation was being done, and a few days later was placed on a 10-day unpaid suspension. He was also required to take diversity training, write a letter of apology to the students involved, and was stripped of his football coaching responsibilities.
In a vote earlier this month, the Jackson County School Board upheld this disciplinary plan, which was recommended by Sims.
Green was not placed on suspension during the investigation of the allegations against him.
Several students’ parents have come forward in support of Green as a teacher.
“The parents have expressed how much they appreciate the quality of teaching. I’ve received overwhelming support and I’m glad this is over with so I can just get back to teaching, because it’s distracting,” said Green.
Green has worked for the Jackson County school system since July 2006.
Born in Marianna, Green moved away when he was about a year old. He received a BS in political science from Florida International University of Miami; completed grad school with a master’s degree in transatlantic history; and is pursuing a PhD in systematic theology.
He said he discovered his passion for teaching as a law enforcement officer, when he was responsible for training rookies.
“It’s just grown from there,” said Green.
Ward could not be reached Wednesday for a comment.