By Lynn Hotaling
Though local school officials met privately for about 2 hours
Monday (July 7), questions surrounding the late June suspension
of a veteran educator remain unanswered.
Kenny Nicholson, Smoky Mountain High School principal since
1994, was suspended two weeks ago by Superintendent Mack McCary
for reasons that have not been disclosed.
It is likely that Nicholson's suspension was discussed during
Monday's closed session meeting of the Jackson County Board
of Education; however, Chairman James Roper, citing personnel
laws, declined to confirm or deny whether that was the case.
"Everything that was discussed was in closed session,"
Roper said Tuesday. "I can't say anything."
School officials will not consider naming an acting principal
until McCary returns from a trip abroad, Roper said.
McCary is expected back in his office Friday, July 18.
Monday night's meeting was recessed until Monday, July 14, at
7 p.m.
A 1963 graduate of Sylva-Webster High, Nicholson has been a
Jackson County principal for more than 25 years, serving at
Scotts Creek and Fairview elementary schools before moving to
SMHS nine years ago.
Nicholson, who said last week that he has retained legal counsel,
declined comment for this report.
