We cant afford to be status quo here.
The Hamilton County school district’s next leader needs to bring stability and provide the foundation for a permanent leader capable of transforming the school system into one of the best in the South.
That’s the view of some education advocates and school board members, who are considering what comes next after Superintendent Rick Smith requested the school board buy out his contract in the wake of the alleged rape of an Ooltewah High School freshman.
Smith’s court testimony in the alleged rape and assault of the 15-year-old student is set for Feb. 15. Afterward, the school board is expected to vote to buy out his contract and name an interim superintendent, though some elected officials have questioned privately whether Smith should be fired for cause for failing to report the attack to authorities.
Three former Ooltewah team members are charged with aggravated assault and aggravated rape. Records from Sevier County Juvenile Court state two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old raped their teammate with a pool cue, causing extensive internal injuries that required surgery to repair.