EVANS, Ga. ()- A Lakeside High School teacher who was fired and arrested is now getting support from students.
Jerry Meitin is charged with terroristic threats and acts after being accused of threatening to shoot students.
He is no longer employed with the Columbia County School District.
Warrants allege that Jerry Meitin “threatened to shoot multiple students if he had a gun”.
But some of his current and former students are in shock, and they’re defending the teacher they say had a big influence on their lives.
“Mr. Meitin is awesome. Like other students have said, he’s one of the most passionate teachers at Lakeside,” said Hannah Liebel.
Students are also sharing more shocking details, including Meitin’s plans to retire this school year after teaching for decades.
“He was supposed to retire this year, which makes this situation even more heartbreaking. This was meant to be his final year,” shared Ibraheem Hassan.
Johnathan Bickel says he was in the classroom when the alleged comments were exchanged.
“It was a poorly timed joke and has been significantly misinterpreted. I didn’t feel threatened in any way, and I was sitting right in front of him,” explained Bickel. “This man has spent over 20 years as a dedicated teacher. He mentored many and genuinely cared for all his students.”
Students are surprised by Meitin’s firing knowing his character.
In 2023, the seasoned math teacher earned the title of STAR Teacher for Columbia County, a recognition honoring top-performing students and teachers throughout Georgia.
Former student George Zhou was last year’s valedictorian, and has started a GoFundMe to pay for Meitin’s bond and legal fees.
“Mr. Meitin taught us not just to solve problems but also to stand up for our beliefs and community. Launching this campaign felt like a direct application of his lessons,” Zhou expressed.
Along with the GoFundMe, students are paying tribute by wearing colors and ribbons with a special meaning.
“Mr. Meitin graduated from the University of Florida, and everyone who attended his class knows he’s a big fan of the Gators. Wearing orange and blue is one way we thought to honor him. Many of us are big UGA fans, so wearing another college’s colors shows we are serious,” mentioned Liebel.
Kareem Hassan says it’s now about giving back and helping the teacher who’s done the same for them.
“Mr. Meitin has dedicated much of his life to supporting us and the Lakeside community. Now that he needs support, it’s our turn to give back,” said Hassan.
The Columbia County School District says this is an ongoing investigation.
We also reached out to Meitin, but he says he can’t share any comments at this time.
