MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -
Rutherford County school officials unanimously voted Wednesday night to dismiss a tenured high school teacher who is under investigation by local law enforcement.
Richard Kimberly, a criminal justice teacher and soccer coach at Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, was suspended without pay last month after the board said it was investigation his alleged inappropriate conduct with students.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's office has said it is investigating the allegations.
In documents submitted Wednesday to the Rutherford County School Board, Schools Director Dr. Harry Gill said he received a report on April 13 that Kimberly had restrained a student and tickled him while on a bus going to an away soccer game.
The alleged victim reported during the bus ride he and other players were wrestling in the back of the bus when Kimberly confronted them.
The victim said Kimberly restrained and tickled him for approximately 15 minutes. The student added Kimberly also gave him a wedgie during that time.
Another student also reportedly poked and tickled him during the restraint.
During an investigation, school officials said other students gave similar statements about what happened April 13 and reported other incidents.
Kimberly has also had repeated communications with several male students via Twitter, according to authorities.
Board members offered little comment following Wednesday night's meeting.
They cited Kimberly's potential appeal during the next 30-days which could put him back before the school board.
The now former teacher was not at the meeting.
Kimberly has not been charged as the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office continues its investigation.
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Richard Kimberly was placed on leave without pay last month.
