Former teacher in Savannah stole from students’ supply & locker rental fees, report shows

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — A former Hardin County Middle School teacher has been indicted for theft and official misconduct.

According to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, an investigation revealed that former English Language Arts teacher Amy McSwain stole at least $370 in student supply and locker rental fees, which was paid by her homeroom students during the ’22-’23 school year.

A news release says that McSwain was required to provide the money to the school’s bookkeeper for deposit, however McSwain admitted that she did not remit any fees she collected to the bookkeeper.

According to the release, school officials recovered $180 in checks written to the school, but $370 in other collected fees remains missing.

The release says McSwain resigned from her employment with Hardin County Schools on June 30, and on July 17, she was indicted by the Hardin County Grand Jury.

“Hardin County Middle School teachers are required to use a collection log to account for money,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower. “This teacher did not follow school policy, which made it difficult for investigators to determine exactly how much money had been collected from students. School officials should develop a method to ensure teachers and other staff comply with the required process.”

The release states that McSwain told investigators that she is willing to repay the money.

Click here to view the full investigative report.

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