Cleveland County School Board Member Ron Humphries speaks out, clarifies incident

By Ron Humphries | Special guest opinion | Press release

Humphries

In light of recent public statements and threats regarding my interaction with fellow School Board member Mr. Blanton after the Board meeting on January 12, 2026, I feel it is essential to address the situation with a focus on forgiveness and my desire to move forward.

During our verbal exchange, Mr. Blanton angrily approached me closely and gestured towards my face. In a moment of instinctive reaction, I gently swatted his finger away. Contrary to the claims circulating—particularly those asserted by Mr. Blanton—I did not slap him in the face. Multiple eyewitnesses and surveillance footage have corroborated this. Unfortunately, on or around March 9th, 2026, Mr. Blanton exacerbated the issue by filing a complaint while under oath with a Magistrate, alleging that I criminally assaulted him by slapping him in the face. I want to clarify that this assertion is entirely false, and based on the evidence, the complaint will not be acted upon. 

The false claims, amplified in the echo chamber of social media, have not only distorted the truth but also resulted in threats made against me. This situation is deeply concerning, as it undermines the safety and integrity of our community.

At this juncture, I do not intend to pursue legal action. I believe it is in the best interest of our community and Cleveland County Schools to move past this incident and focus on our responsibilities as elected officials.

We have a duty to communicate honestly and transparently. Misrepresentations can have serious unintended consequences, undermine public trust, and hinder our ability to serve effectively. I encourage our community to prioritize truth and engage in constructive, respectful dialogue.

I appreciate your understanding as we work together to foster a positive and truthful atmosphere in our community. Let’s focus on what truly matters: the education and well-being of our students.

Ron Humphries

Cleveland County School Board