(The Center Square) – The Tennessee State Board of Education voted Friday to suspend the license of a Blount County teacher convicted of misdemeanor assault for three years after a lengthy discussion on their options.

Joshua Dalton pleaded guilty to five counts of misdemeanor assault and was ordered to serve six months on probation for inappropriate touching of students, according to the board.

Board Chairman Robert Eby and other members expressed concerns about a recommendation from the board's legal staff that would have suspended Dalton's license for six months.

The six-month license suspension would coincide with Dalton's probation, which ends in November, the board was told by staff.

State school board member Jordan Mollenhour said the board had little evidence and it didn't suppo

See Full Page