Orick applauded, bids emotional farewell to school board

Jennifer Orick bade an emotional farewell to the Campbell County School Board Tuesday night, following only three months in office. Orick was appointed by the county commission to fill out the term of her late husband Mike Orick, but was defeated in a close election last week.  WATCH the meeting here.

Director Jennifer Fields and several board members expressed their appreciation to Orick for her dedication to education, as well as welcoming Noah Smith, who will take his seat on the board next month. Smith, a college student, will become the youngest person to ever serve on the board.

The board conducted mostly routine business, as well as honoring a number of students, including several named as Elk Ambassadors at Elk Valley Elementary. Those students were chosen for academic accomplishments and leadership and will help orient new students.

Also recognized were a number of students from Jellico High Scool’s art program, who won awards in the recent Louie Bluie student art competition. Their winning works of art were displayed for the board and audience to admire.

After approving reports, financial reports and one minor change to the vacation leave policy, the board heard from attorney Dail Cantrell. Cantrell reported that he has prepared a sublease for the City of Caryville, transferring property to Caryville for use as a city park. The property transfer has been approved by TVA, which originally leased the land to the school system for part of the grounds of the old Caryville Elementary.

Cantrell also reported that a former employee who had been suspended by Campbell County two years ago after multiple complaints of inappropriate conduct, has now been arrested for sexual misconduct by the Pigeon Forge school system.

Cantrell said that the Pigeon Forge case is before the State of Tennessee hearing commission and Campbell County has been asked to provide transcripts of the action taken here to the State. Cantrell did not identify the former employee or which local school had been involved.   (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 11/14/2018-6AM)