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 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, a human resources audit in 2024 brought previous complaints of a sexual and physically abusive nature to light, leading to an investigation. This led to Goins being placed on administrative leave on May 12. She was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the inves

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