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Melbourne, FL – The Brevard County School Board is set to decide on the future of Mr. Paul Eller, a physical education teacher at Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School, in a meeting scheduled for May 14, 2024. The meeting will address Mr. Eller’s alleged involvement in a incident where he reportedly failed to intervene in a student fight, an event that has since been referred to as a “fight club” by concerned parents and community members.
On April 21, 2023, a video surfaced showing two students fighting in the boy’s locker room during a gym class, while other students watched. The video also captured Mr. Eller, who appeared to encourage the fighting rather than stopping it immediately. It was only when the fight escalated with a third student’s involvement that Mr. Eller intervened.
The school administration, after reviewing the footage, contacted the Melbourne Police School Resource Officer. The investigation that followed resulted in charges against Mr. Eller for neglect of a child, culpable negligence, and disruption of school function.
The district has now moved to terminate Mr. Eller’s employment, citing violations of several school board policies, including those concerning student supervision and welfare, as well as the principles of professional conduct for the education profession in Florida.
The school board’s agenda indicates that the decision on Mr. Eller’s termination is recommended for approval without the need for further discussion under a “Consent without Information” procedure.
Community members and parents concerned about the outcome of this decision and the standards of supervision in their children’s schools are encouraged to attend the board meeting. The school board also remains open to comments from the public, who may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources or the Director of Professional Standards and Labor Relations with any concerns.
