The principal and vice principal of L&N STEM Academy have been placed on leave, according to Knox County Schools and an email sent to L&N parents Monday night.
A Knox County Schools spokesperson confirmed Principal Becky Ashe and Vice Principal Tim Childers have been placed on leave pending an investigation. At the time, a spokesperson said they couldn't comment on the nature of the investigation because it is ongoing.
On Wednesday morning, JC Bowman, Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, released a statement on behalf of the organization in regards to L&N Stem Academy.
“As we understand it, an incident occurred that was properly reported to the authorities by Mr. Tim Childers, Vice Principal and Ms. Becky Ashe, Principal, both highly regarded educators at L&N STEM Academy. They did not instigate or cause this incident, the specifics of which are currently under investigation. Mr. Childers and Ms. Ashe, based on the information we have received, discharged their professional responsibilities in accordance with state law. This should be of no surprise to anyone. L&N STEM Academy is one of the highest performing schools in the state. U.S. News and World Report ranked the school the sixth best high school in Tennessee in 2016, and last year it ranked in the top 10 percent in performance in the state. We expect the matter to be resolved quickly. Administrative leaves of absence are not unusual when matters such as these are investigated by outside personnel.”
The email sent to parents from Knox County Schools Superintendent Bob Thomas said Laura Boring assumed administrative duties at the school on Monday "following a decision to place Principal Becky Ashe and Vice Principal Tim Childers on leave."
Ashe was the founding principal of the school that focuses on teaching science technology engineering and math. The school opened in 2011.
"Ms. Boring is well prepared to lead L&N STEM as she is a longtime Knox County administrator who has served as an assistant principal, principal and central office supervisor. Additionally, I know, without a doubt, that the teachers and staff at this school will remain professional and student-focused," Thomas said.
The email did not say why the administrators were placed on leave.
Thomas thanked parents for their patience "during this challenging time."
Knoxville Police acknowledged they are aware of the investigation, but cannot confirm nor deny whether they are involved in it.
In a statement, the Parent Teacher Student Association at the school said, "L&N STEM Academy is a great school with devoted administrators, faculty, staff, students, and families."
An L&N alum said he was shocked to hear about the news.
"I didn't expect it. They're the last people I would expect to get put on that," said David Krepps, an alum of the school. "I knew that Ms. Ashe had a certain way that she wanted to do things and she had high expectations. She wanted high quality standards, and I was on board with that."
You can read the full email from the superintendent below:
L&N STEM Academy families,
I wanted to let you know that as of today, Ms. Laura Boring assumed administrative duties at L&N STEM following a decision to place Principal Becky Ashe and Vice Principal Tim Childers on leave.
Ms. Boring is well prepared to lead L&N STEM as she is a longtime Knox County administrator who has served as an assistant principal, principal and central office supervisor. Additionally, I know, without a doubt, that the teachers and staff at this school will remain professional and student-focused.
Thank you in advance for your unwavering support for high quality education at L&N STEM and for your patience during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Bob Thomas
Superintendent, Knox County Schools