RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - There is an expanding spotlight on the Rutherford County School Board race as one candidate is under investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations.

As previously reported, the TBI is investigating allegations that John Duncan allegedly took inappropriate photos of himself within the school premises. Due to the investigation, Duncan has been suspended from the schools.

Duncan is running for a seat on the Rutherford County School Board in Zone 2. According to Election Commission documents, his most recent action in that race took place on March 6, which happened to be the same day the county schools released a statement about Duncan being suspended without pay.

On March 6, Rutherford County Schools Communications Director James Evans released the following: “John Duncan, a personal finance and history teacher at Daniel-McKee Alternative School, has been suspended without pay — which is standard procedure — pending the outcome of a law enforcement investigation. He was hired at the alternative school in August 2023. He previously worked at Stewarts Creek High School last school year.”

Election Commission information confirmed that Duncan's Pre-Primary Campaign Disclosure Statement was submitted on March 6, 2024.

On Wednesday, school board candidate Robert Brooks, who is running for the same seat as Duncan, told WGNS that he has publicly requested Duncan step down from the race. Brooks stated, “These allegations, if substantiated, raise serious concerns about his suitability for a position of trust within our educational community.” Brooks went on to say that Duncan has been accused of engaging in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student.

Brooks said, “...we strongly urge John Duncan to voluntarily remove himself as a candidate for School Board Zone Two. “

WGNS is continuing to follow this story and will give updates as they unfold.

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