The board has a special called meeting 4:30-6 p.m. July 17 at the Loudon County Courthouse Annex. The school district website notes the meeting will be for “discussion and deliberations relating to the director’s contract and options regarding the same.”

The assumption could be that discussions/negotiations have been taking place on the cost to buyout Vance's contract and that's what will be discussed at the special called meeting. Or I guess the board could still vote to fire Vance without cause which would be extremely costly. Or they could vote to reinstate him to his position.

It's probably safe to say that after all that's transpired over the last eight months, the future for Mr. Vance continuing as the director for three more years would be contentious at best. So the less expensive option would be a buyout.

From the beginning, it was obvious, some board members have been committed to getting rid of Vance for what ever reasons. Some may have personal reasons, some may just be for spite.

Whatever the reasons, Wednesday's meeting could bring this whole sorted episode to an end, one way or the other. We'll find out what the price of spite will be.