Why Was a Beloved Theatre Teacher Removed Without Answers?

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

Rock Ridge High School has a theatre program that many schools dream of. A place where students aren’t just memorizing lines and building sets — they’re building confidence, empathy, and a genuine love for the arts. And leading that charge has been a director whose passion and dedication have made him a beloved figure in the Ashburn, VA community.

So why is he now on administrative leave?

That’s the question echoing through hallways, in board meetings, on social media, and in the hearts of students who have spent years under his direction. This isn’t just a case of a teacher stepping away for a bit. This is a deeply respected, nationally recognized educator — someone who was named an honorable mention for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award at the Tony Awards just last year. Let that sink in: The Tonys. The Broadway Tonys. Loudoun County doesn’t often make headlines in that world, but this teacher did.

And now? Silence.

No formal explanation. No context. Just vague references to “personnel matters” and an ongoing investigation. Which, sure, may be protocol, but the lack of transparency is causing more harm than good. Because when you don’t give people answers, they start filling in the blanks themselves. And that never ends well.

The students? They’re devastated — and they’re fighting back. They’ve rallied at school board meetings and wore “Bring CJ Back” T-shirts. These are young people who know the difference between tough love and abuse, between discipline and misconduct. So what exactly happened?

Some questions I have - Was there an isolated incident that sparked this? What led to the student reportedly refusing to attend rehearsal, and what was said in response?

More importantly, what was the actual reason the student didn’t attend? Was it a valid excuse? Was it communicated clearly? Was there a policy violation? Or was the director simply trying to hold the student accountable in a high-stakes production environment — something every serious theatre program expects?

Also, did the teacher cross a line? Was there inappropriate language or behavior? Or is this a case of miscommunication, heightened emotions, or a personality clash that’s been blown out of proportion?

Because here’s the thing: if something inappropriate was said or done, then yes — placing a teacher on leave is the right course of action. Students must be protected. But we also owe it to everyone involved — the student, the teacher, the parents, the program — to be clear about what actually occurred.

And here’s another wrinkle: Mr. Cimino-Johnson has recently shared that he was diagnosed with autism — and that his neurodivergence may have been a contributing factor in how a conversation or comment was received. That deserves care, not condemnation. If we’re serious about creating inclusive schools, then we need to understand that autism doesn’t disqualify someone from teaching — it just means we may all need to work harder at communication, empathy, and support. Are we punishing him for a disability he’s only just begun to process?

Without clarity, we’re not just suspending a teacher. We’re suspending trust.

What happens to the next show? To the college-bound seniors relying on his mentorship? What message are we sending when we remove a beloved, nationally honored educator without a shred of explanation?

This isn’t just about one teacher. It’s about how we treat the people shaping the next generation of artists, thinkers, and leaders.

So I ask again: why was this teacher placed on leave? And when does he — and everyone who loves and learns from him — get the answers they deserve?