What began as a personnel issue has become an appeal by Yancey County teacher Kim Higgins. Higgins has appealed to the Yancey County Board of Education and will be heard on June 28th. Near the end of the school year, on May 22nd, Higgins slipped on a sweatshirt with a controversial message on it in order, according to Higgins to relieve a student’s anxiety before taking an exam. Someone took a photo of the incident and shared it on social media. Some parents and students found the message inappropriate, though many in the school and community have come to Higgins’ defense since the incident.
At that time, Yancey County Schools Superintendent Kathy Amos issued the following statement:
“Yancey County Schools has received inquiries regarding a discussion on social media and in the wider community concerning teacher apparel. Individual personnel matters are required by state law to be kept confidential, and Yancey County Schools does not comment publicly on them or on social media matters in general. However, it is the policy of the Yancey County Board of Education and the expectation of Yancey County Schools administration that employees maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and relationship with students, parents, and other staff members at all times. Yancey County Schools takes these matters very seriously and addresses them appropriately as required, pursuant to applicable law and policy.”
The decision was made to move Higgins from her position at Mountain Heritage High School to another position at East Yancey Middle School. Higgins appealed that decision on the grounds that “the punishment does not match the crime to tarnish 28 years of a tenured veteran teacher” and that “the decision would be detrimental to the drafting and SkillsUSA program at MHHS.”
