| Loudon County Director of Schools narrowly avoids
suspension after board vote wate.com-The Director of Loudon County schools will not be suspended after a split vote by the school board. Jason Vance is accused of threatening to fire the Loudon County High School basketball coach Josh Graves over email. The vote at Thursday’s school board meeting was split on the suspension of the director of Loudon County Schools. The vote ended in a 5-5 tie after hours of discussion. We're told that was because Vance's son was supposedly not getting playing time during the team's undefeated season. "I hope we can move forward and I think it's time to move forward and get this resolved without any other situations like this. And it's time to do that,” said Steve Millsaps, a former Loudon County High School educator and speaker at Thursday’s school board meeting. A closed meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 17 at 5 p.m. Nearly 200 people packed into the Loudon County Board
of Education meeting in support of Graves Thursday evening.
Nearly 200 people packed into the Loudon County Board
of Education meeting in support of Graves Thursday evening. Some
sported shirts in support of Graves and the team.
Supporters allege an email from Vance circulated on social media, claiming the school director was upset his son -- who plays on the basketball team -- was told by Graves last minute he wouldn't dress for a varsity game. Many expressed concern the coach's job was in danger based on the alleged email. Vance responded, saying Coach Graves wouldn't be fired. At the board meeting, however, the school director's position came under fire. A board member motioned to suspend Vance indefinitely. That motion failed by a small margin. A former Loudon High School educator, Steve Millsaps, says the situation needs to be cleared up. "I think, even for Dr. Vance, it's important that they be able to come back and tell people. If this isn't happening, they need to be able to say 'This isn't happening and we've done our due diligence in making sure it isn't happening," Millsaps said. Vance was at the meeting and visibly upset, but did not offer a response of tonight's developments. The Loudon High School basketball team is currently undefeated this season going 17-0, and those supporting coach Graves say he has shown 'commitment and character' and 'believe him 100%.' |
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1/14/18