According to a press release, McDermott had asked for a hearing before the board following an investigation based upon complaints of students. Those complaints and the resulting investigation indicated a violation of the Georgia Educators Code of Ethics.
During the hearing, which began at 9 a.m. and concluded at about 7:30 p.m., each side in the matter was allowed to call witnesses and present evidence. The burden of proof fell on the school system to make its case.
“Regretfully, the school board came to its conclusion and upheld the termination recommendation,” Assistant Superintendent Ken Clouse wrote in the press release.
McDermott has been employed by the school system since August 2012.
Chief Thomas N. Culpepper announced last month the Cartersville Police Department began investigating a complaint in which a Cartersville High School teacher, confirmed by the department as McDermott, was accused of inappropriate contact with a student. The incidents allegedly occurred from Oct. 15 through Nov. 8 of this year.
Culpepper said in a press release last month, “The principal launched an investigation into this matter immediately upon being notified by the victim. We are cooperating with the school system in the investigation. Due to the age of the victim and the fact that at this time the teacher is only considered to be a suspect, no further information is being released.”
The investigation is ongoing.
According to the incident report, CHS Principal Steven Butler contacted the CPD at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, stating he received a complaint by a juvenile female student about 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8. The female student said she had been inappropriately touched by a male teacher.
Butler stated the victim reported there were several occasions that the inappropriate touching occurred during class and on campus at the school.