UPDATE: Monday, Sept. 11, 2017
The personnel file for a Knox County commissioner on administrative leave is shedding some light on why she is under investigation.
A letter dated Sept. 27, 2005 states Evelyn Gill, who also works for the Knox County school system, was questioned on the Carter High cheerleading squad's financial situation.
The letter states Mary Lou Kanipe, Human Resources Supervisor; Cheryl Hickman, Carter High Principal' and, Roger Underwood, Accounts Payable Supervisor; all met with Gill on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005. They discussed several issues including overspending, making purchases without permission, making purchases without a purchase order, and her responsibilities as cheerleading sponsor in general.
During the meeting, Gill also admitted to taking her cheerleaders to a summer cheerleading camp at The University of Tennessee without a fieldtrip request form, according to the letter.
A written reprimand was given for her "failure to abide by correct procedures with regard to school funds and booster club funds," the letter, that Gill signed, states.
It suggests Gill discontinue cheerleading sponsor at Carter High as soon as another sponsor is found.
The letter is signed by Gill stating she received a copy of the information and has an opportunity to respond in writing.
Unrelated to Gill's leave, Don Lawson, who is director of career and technical education, has been put on leave without pay, according to Harrington. The reason for his placement on leave has not been made public.
The personnel file for Lawson was not immediately ready Monday afternoon.
ORIGINAL STORY: Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017
A Knox County commissioner who works for the Knox County school system and a school system director are on administrative leave from the district for separate and unrelated reasons.
Commissioner Evelyn Gill, elected last year to represent District 1, is on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation for undisclosed reasons, according to Knox County Schools spokeswoman Carly Harrington. She is a special education teacher.
She could not be reached for comment Thursday. Gill's salary last year was $50,000.
Also, Don Lawson, who is director of career and technical education, has been put on leave without pay, according to Harrington. The reason for his placement on leave has not been made public.
Lawson, whose salary last year was $101,943, could not be reached for comment.
The system's career and technical education division gives students hands-on technical training in areas considered to be high-demand fields with projected job growth. The areas include welding and mechatronics.
Lawson is based at the Lincoln Park Technology Center in North Knoxville.
"The investigations involving Ms. Gill and Mr. Lawson are completely separate and unrelated," according to a statement from the school system. "Because these investigations are continuing, we are unable to comment further at this time."
