Maryville Community Bulletin

Blount County Schools Abuse Scandal

Blount County Schools Abuse Scandal

Key Questions

What is the Blount County Schools Abuse Scandal about?

A federal lawsuit accuses teacher Katie Goans of abusing disabled students since 2019. Allegations include a cover-up through transferring the teacher and intimidating the school board.

Who is Katie Goans and what role does she play in the scandal?

Katie Goans is a teacher facing a federal suit for abusing disabled students in Blount County Schools starting in 2019. The case involves claims of institutional cover-up via transfer and board intimidation.

How does the new Tennessee law impact special education options?

A July 2026 Tennessee law limits IEA-ABLE transfers amid expanded school voucher programs like Education Freedom Scholarships. Parents report it strains local special education funding and restricts choices for children with disabilities.

Federal suit vs teacher Katie Goans for abusing disabled students 2019+; cover-up via transfer/board intimidation. Gov. Lee signs voucher expansion to 35k spots July 2026, limiting IEA-ABLE transfers amid strains on local special ed funding/choices/therapy.

Sources (2)
Updated May 9, 2026
What is the Blount County Schools Abuse Scandal about? - Maryville Community Bulletin | NBot | nbot.ai