UPDATE: A local 8th grader will have to finish the school year taking online classes after a confrontation with a teacher.



The school system initially expelled the student one year, per Hamilton County's zero tolerance policy. But the student and his father met with the Hamilton County Board of Education Thursday morning to appeal that suspension and now it has been reduced.



"Instead of him being kicked out for 365 days, now he gets to start virtual schooling, they're letting him take his exams for this last semester. And Mr. McDade I felt was very, very fair," Lakeef Quinn said.



Lakeef Quinn said he's happy with how Thursday's appeal went with Assistant Supt. Lee McDade. In the fall, Quinn's 14-year-old son will get to start school at Ooltewah High School.



Quinn said it all started when his son saw the teacher, who Channel 3 won't name, grab his brother by the collar. The teen said the teacher "charged at him" and "spit at him." But the teacher told a different story. According to the police report, he said "things escalated quickly" but denied touching either boy or acting in any aggressive manner. He said the teen "shoved him backwards" but that he "did not respond."



With only 40 seconds caught on cell phone camera, it remains a case of he-said, he-said. McDade said it's still an open investigation regarding the teacher. He wouldn't comment further but said the appeal hearing was "very positive."



"I mean, as long as he learns from this, I'm happy," Quinn said. "He's not dead and he can learn from his mistakes so I'm happy as a parent."



Quinn said he still wants to press charges for simple assault.