BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. — Blount County Schools is working to dismiss a tenured teacher at Heritage High School over allegations of inappropriate and abusive behavior with special education students.

Blount County Schools Director of Schools Justin Ridge brought formal charges of dismissal against Kathryn "Katie" Goins at the district's meeting Thursday night. The charges include incompetence, inefficiency, neglect of duty, unprofessional conduct and insubordination over allegations dating back to 2020.

According to school records, Goins was placed on administrative leave May 12 and was notified May 9. She was then suspended without pay pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct on May 26. Documents show her pay will stop June 30.

Goins started worki

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