Man Convicted Of Shooting Wants Teaching Position

A former school superintendent convicted of a shooting wants back in the classroom.  It happened in Grundy County back in 2003, and two years later a jury found Joe Nunley guilty of reckless aggravated assault.

Thursday, he said he worked there for many years and felt he made positive changes during that time.  Now, he wants to make more contributions by returning to work with students.  But some say a man convicted shouldn't be allowed in the classroom.

In 2003, Joe Nunley, the Grundy County's Director of Schools, became Joe Nunley, the man charged with first degree attempted murder.  After bad blood between Nunley and former school employee Michael Byers ended in a shooting.  Nunley pulled the trigger at his home, and the bullet tore through Byers' truck, hitting him below the ear.  Less than 2 years later, a jury convicted Nunley of reckless aggravated assault.

Nunley didn't go to jail, but a judge sentenced him to 2 years suspended and 4 years probation.  Now, he's finished that, and wants to work in the schools again.

Jan Fults knows Nunley and is one of many we talked with who thinks he deserves a teaching position here in Grundy.  "He was a principal for years and he was great with the kids, and I think he has every right to be back in school system."

Amanda Smith agrees, "That doesn't mean he's a bad person just because he's protecting himself, he's not going to hurt these kids up here."

Nunley told us he will take any position, but wants special education job in the schools he supervised in 20 years.    He says done everything the courts have asked, and got his teaching license restored last year.

But others are worried about letting someone who's been convicted, in the classroom.  Kathy Wise says, "I don't think it's a good idea, don't think he should be teaching our children."

We talked with several people like Wise who says whatever set him off then, could happen again.  "Obviously he has anger issues, children make you as angry as just about anybody."

Nunley says he completed is probation last year, and at that time his criminal record was cleared.  The current superintendent was not available to comment on Nunley's application.  No word on when he will make a decision.