Williamson School Board Won't Punish Director After Assault Claim

FRANKLIN, TN -- Williamson County Director of Schools Mike Looney will not face disciplinary action from the county school board.

At a special meeting Monday, the board viewed footage of the incident at Franklin High School that led to an assault charge against Director of Schools Mike Looney. Looney has denied he assaulted the student. After just 20 minutes, the board decided Looney would not be suspended or fired following the allegation.

Franklin Police allege Looney tried to force an FHS student from the school and into his car.

"Franklin Police Officers and paramedics were dispatched to Franklin High School for a reported psychological emergency. While working with the student, the student's mother, and school staff to transport the student to the hospital, Dr. Mike Looney, Williamson County Schools Superintendent, abruptly entered the conference room, grabbed the student by her arm, and forced her out of the school and to his vehicle. Officers intervened and had on-scene paramedics transport the student to the emergency room for evaluation," FPD said in a statement issued last week.

The video of the incident is not being released to the public because of privacy concerns.

“Based on the information we have been provided, it appears that Dr. Looney did not act inappropriately and was within the discretion of an administrator in an effort to diffuse a difficult situation in the interest of student safety. And we believe his continuing in his work will not interfere with any investigation,” board chairman Gary Anderson said.

Photo via Franklin Police