MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) – A Madison County School teacher accused of using a racial slur in a classroom is still employed with the school district.
A video of the teacher, identified as Ms. Fletcher, using a slur was widely circulated on social media in February.
The Madison County School District (MCSD) addressed the incident at the time, saying they were conducting an investigation and that “the language depicted in the post is unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to the core values of our district.”
According to documents obtained through a public records request, Ms. Fletcher has received a formal written reprimand, reassignment of duties that do not involve direct student contact, and mandatory professional development.
An email sent to WCTV Thursday night from MCSD’s coordinator of special projects, Patrick White, confirmed Ms. Fletcher’s current position.
“[Ms. Fletcher] is currently assigned to the administrative office while FDOE Office of Professional Practices conducts their independent investigation,” the email read.
More news out of the Big Bend:
“After careful review of the investigative record, it is determined that: The allegation that Ms. Fletcher previously used the racial slur in her classroom is Not Substantiated due to insufficient direct evidence. The allegation that Ms. Fletcher used the racial slur in the presence of students on February 24, 2026, is Substantiated,” the document read.
Another teacher, Zachery Peterson, was also accused of using a racial slur at a parent-teacher conference and in the classroom. However, the district says the claim that a racial slur was used in a classroom is unsubstantiated.
Superintendent Karen Pickles said that a discipline recommendation had already been made for Peterson.
In a follow-up meeting, it was revealed that Peterson received a written reprimand and mandatory professional development.
District 1 School Board Member Katie Knight apologized to the community at a widely attended special school board meeting about the incidents.
“All I can do is apologize to you all that we are failing your students right now,” Knight said.
According to the investigative documents from the school district, Ms. Fletcher admitted to using the racial slur, but says it was used, “in an interrogative context, repeating the accusation rather than directing it toward any student.”
The document said the use of the racial slur was a “lapse in professional judgement” and “not a direct insult.”
See the full document below.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect that Ms. Fletcher has not yet returned to the classroom, but is still employed with the district after clarification from a school official.
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