By Lynn Hotaling
In the wake of last week's allegation of sexual harrassment
against a suspended high school principal, two female teachers
confirmed Tuesday that they have made similar complaints to
school officials.
Though school officials will not comment on the reasons for
Smoky Mountain High School Principal Kenny Nicholson's suspension,
Mary Anne Barker, instructional specialist at Smoky Mountain
High for the past two years, filed a July 21 incident report
with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office that alleges Nicholson
kissed her on the mouth against her will June 20.
The other two teachers, who asked their names not be used, said
they have complained to the school system about Nicholson's
behavior but do not wish to pursue legal action or contact law
enforcment at this time. One indicated that she had received
a letter from school officials stating her complaint had been
substantiated.
Barker told investigating officer J.L. Hall that she had filed
a written complaint with the Jackson County Board of Education
and had received a reply from school officials indicating her
report had been substantiated, according to the incident report.
Barker declined additional comment and neither confirmed nor
denied that the complaint she made to school officials included
similar information to that contained in the incident report.
Barker was advised she could contact the Magistrate's Office
if she wanted to pursue legal action, but she indicated she
did not wish to do so, the report states. Barker told Deputy
Hall that she had filed a written complaint with the Jackson
County Board of Education and had received a reply from school
officials indicating her report had been substantiated.
According to the report, Barker said she would prefer that school
officials remove Nicholson or take appropriate action and that
she "could not work in the same environment with him any
longer."
Barker indicated to Deputy Hall that Nicholson had entered her
office at SMHS and closed the door before placing his hand on
her back and kissing her.
When contacted, Barker declined additional comment. She neither
confirmed or denied that the complaint she made to school officials
included similar information to that contained in the incident
report.
If Nicholson were to be charged based on the incident report,
the alleged misdemeanor would be assault on a female by a male
over 18, to wit: a kiss, said Jackson County Sheriff Jimmy Ashe.
Nicholson, 57, remains on administrative leave with pay, Superintendet
Mack McCary said Wednesday.
McCary neither confirmed or denied that Nicholson's suspension
was related to Barker's complaint, and declined comment when
asked about the additional complaints against Nicholson.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss an ongoing personnel matter,"
he said.
According to state statutes, school officials must make a decision
about Nicholson's continued employment within 90 days of the
date of his suspension, said David Steinbicker, school system
personnel director.
A 1963 graduate of Sylva-Webster High, Nicholson was principal
at Scotts Creek and Fairview elementary schools before moving
to SMHS in 1994.
Nicholson, who has three times declined to comment on the circumstances
surrounding his supsension, said Wednesday that he'd prefer
questions be directed to his lawyer, Rusty McLean of Waynesville.
McLean was out of town Wednesday and unavailable for comment.
School officials Tuesday night (July 29) named SMHS Assistant
Principal Alex Bell interim principal. (See related story, page
1A.)
