Speas’ KSC future still uncertain with ‘ongoing’ investigation
While Hardin Valley Academy has a new principal with the recent appointment of Mitchell Cox, former principal Dr. Rob Speas remains on leave, according to Knox County Schools chief of communications Carly Harrington.
Cox’s appointment follows a tumultuous few months at HVA, with Speas being placed on administrative leave with pay in early April after an intentional gas leak was set off overnight March 30.
While the gas leak perpetrator was apprehended — he confessed — the handling of the situation became a passionate discussion among student and parent detractors and supporters of Speas (supporters included teachers). The incident sparked KCS’s investigation.
It is unclear to what degree any other issues, beyond the gas leak situation, are being examined during Speas’ almost four years as HVA principal, which began in the summer of 2019. Harrington said the investigation remained “ongoing” as of Friday, June 30.
Michael Reynolds, a former Farragut High principal, was named interim principal through May.
