The treadmill was purchased for classroom use.

So Christopher Jones was taken aback when he noticed another staffer at Pine Ridge Elementary School in Stone Mountain loading it into her car.

The school had received Fitbits and Apple Watches through supply wishlists posted on DonorsChoose.org, which purchases items requested by teachers for their classes. Jones said he noticed teachers using those, too.

“I was told we were able to use the items, too,” Jones said recently.

Jones gave the information he had to district officials in early January. Several weeks later, he was put on administrative leave. By the end of the year, the district chose not to renew his contract.

He’s now suing, saying he was retaliated against for blowing the whistle on alleged misconduct.

See the full story on myAJC.com.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Superintendent Bryan Johnson listens to a speaker during an Atlanta School Board meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. APS held its first vote on school consolidation plans. (Abbey Cutrer / AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Featured

Prosecutor Skandalakis has previously suggested that pursuing criminal charges against President Donald Trump may not be feasible until after he leaves office in 2029. (Craig Hudson/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images