Loudon County Schools Good Even

Loudon County Schools

Good Evening,

I want to address the situation about Loudon High School concerning the basketball coaching staff. There are several rumors that I have told the coach which kids to play or which kids to dress out for games. I have also heard rumors that I have bullied the coach. It has been about 30 days since the last time I spoke to Coach Graves directly and at that meeting we shook hands and agreed that we would move forward supporting our kids as a team. So, I will say those rumors are completely inaccurate and unfounded.

I will not apologize for advocating for requesting clearer communication between our coach and families. I will not apologize for advocating for my family. It is unfortunate that protected and private parent communication was released to the public, and in some cases that communication has been falsely altered, on social media, creating an unsafe and unhealthy environment for my children.

As a director, I expect our school district will protect the privacy of our students and to create a safe environment for all children. As a director and a parent, it saddens me that we did not make that happen. Our students should always come first.

I am sorry that this situation has become such an issue. I am sorry if any of the actions I have taken have inflamed this issue. I am sorry that we are distracted from the great work our team has been able to accomplish this year. They have performed well and we should be celebrating their victories. As an Exemplary district, we need to return our focus to educating our students.

Dr. Jason Vance

Director of [Loudon County] Schools