Fired Cobb teacher files appeal of termination

Katie Rinderle, a Cobb County teacher who was terminated for reading a controversial book to her fifth-grade students, is pursuing an appeal to reverse her termination by the Cobb Board of Education in June. 

Her attorneys have initiated the appeal process, which is governed by Georgia state statutes. Rinderle is asking the Georgia Board of Education to overturn her firing. The board is not expected to vote on her case until their January 2024 meeting.

Rinderle was removed from her classroom at Due West Elementary after reading “My Shadow is Purple” by Scott Stuart. The book challenges gender norms.

Rinderle’s case is notable because she is believed to be the first public school teacher in Georgia to face consequences under newly passed laws in 2022 that impose restrictions on what teachers can discuss in classrooms. These laws have sparked debates and controversies nationwide as they aim to regulate how certain topics are taught in schools.

During her case, a tribunal composed of three retired educators did not recommend Rinderle’s termination after a two-day hearing. However, the final decision rested with the Cobb County Board of Education. 

In a split vote, the four Republican board members voted to terminate her employment, while the three Democratic board members dissented, creating a contentious and divided decision regarding her termination.

As part of the appeal process, Rinderle must notify the Cobb County School District of her intent to appeal. This notification is a required step. In addition, more than 1,000 pages of documents, including the transcript of the local hearing and any evidence presented during that hearing, will need to be collected and provided to the state board.

Both sides will be allowed to present oral arguments to the Georgia Board of Education. This board will discuss the case privately and then vote publicly. 

This process mirrors what occurred at the Cobb County Board of Education when Rinderle was terminated. It is unclear at this time if these arguments will be open to the public.

The state board is not expected to reach a decision on the case before their January 2024 meeting. Regardless of the state board’s decision, either party has the option to appeal to the Superior Court. 

Rinderle’s case underscores the challenges and controversies surrounding education policies and the balance between curriculum content, freedom of expression, and adherence to new legislative mandates in the field of education.