N.C.T. Band Teacher Suspended

Nature Coast Technical High School is without a band director today, the first day back for students after the winter break.

Timothy Brightbill, the school's band director for the last three years, is considered "absent without authorization" by the school district, said Joe Vitalo, president of the Hernando Classroom Teachers Association. The union ensures that employees receive due process by the district when under investigation.

Teachers were to report back Monday. But Brightbill was still in jail.

Brightbill is under investigation by the district after his arrest for unlawful sexual activity with a minor Dec. 31.

A 17-year-old student's mother found the 42-year-old on top of the girl in her room, according to arrest affidavits. Both were clad only in their underwear.

Brightbill admitted after his arrest that the two performed sex acts on one another that day, and that he performed a sex act on the girl at his Spring Hill home one day last November, authorities said.

He remained in jail Monday in lieu of a $20,000 bond. His first court appearance is slated for Jan. 27.

Superintendent Wayne Alexander did not return messages left at his office Monday.

But Vitalo, the union president, said human resources officials told him that Brightbill is essentially suspended without pay because neither he nor a representative - such as an attorney - had contacted the district Monday.

Brightbill has 17 years experience as a teacher in Florida, Vitalo said.

The incident will all but certainly lead to Brightbill's termination and likely the loss of his teaching certificate, Vitalo has said. Because of new legislation passed last year, he also could lose his retirement benefits.