Judge Grants a Delay in Williamson County School Superintendent Mike Looney’s Court Date

Williamson County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney was granted a delay in his court date, originally scheduled to be held Tuesday, for a period of one month until Wednesday, April 25, by a Williamson County judge.

At issue is a single charge of simple assault following a bizarre series of events culminating in Looney allegedly accosting a student and forcing her into his personal vehicle – a Class A Misdemeanor.

As reported by The Tennessee Star, Looney said in an open letter to WCS staff earlier this month that he was recently diagnosed with a tumor on his pancreas, and that he would “be taking several weeks off” as he undergoes treatment:

I need to share a little bit of news so that you can learn it from me rather than another source. I would much rather not share things of a personal nature, but given my role in the district, it really can’t be avoided.

I very recently learned that I have a tumor in my pancreas. At this point, I am planning on having surgery toward the end of this month and unfortunately will need to take several weeks off for recovery. (emphasis added)

The central office staff is wholly prepared to support your work without me. Jason Golden will act on my behalf during my absence. I will enjoy watching from a distance and will continue to cheer you on as our work progresses.

However details as to whether or not Looney has actually declared a medical leave – which carries with it policy guidelines and restrictions regarding Looney’s ability to continue to make decisions as Williamson County Schools superintendent – remain murky.

Furthermore, the Brentwood Home Page reports that “the agreement regarding changing his court date, which was filed last Friday, did not mention his illness.”

To date, the Williamson County Schools has not announced when his return is expected.