Inappropriate Relationship Allegations Lead To Tea
677 views · Published 17 June 2015 · 2:00 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: WLOS News 13 · 2015 · News & Politics
SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. -- A teacher in Swain County has been fired over allegations she had an inappropriate intimate relationship with a student. Sierra Summer Hughes, 24, taught physical education at Swain Middle School and coached track at the high school. The school board says she gave the student rides in her car, spent time with the student outside of school and exchanged personal text messages. The board accepted the superintendent's recommendation to dismiss Hughes on the grounds of immorality, insubordination and failure to fulfill the duties imposed on teachers under state law. Word spread quickly around town. "But if there was something definitely inappropriate then definitely I don't think she should stay," says Priscilla Burrus. "Sometimes things can happen that seem inappropriate, but there may be another explanation." "But I think we need to know more about it before we pass judgement," says Joyce Gibson. Bill Randall graduated from Swain High School in 1998. He's not surprised by the news. "This day and age not really to be honest with you. We live in a time when a lot of crazy stuff happens." Still others say there's likely more to the story. "Sometimes stuff isn't true though you know," Roger Stevenson said. "Sometimes kids can say stuff that isn't true." Hughes waived her right to a hearing before Swain County's Board of Education. By law this action is recorded with state education officials. The Swain County Sheriff says no charges have been filed against Hughes, but the case remains under investigation. Her family says their attorney has advised them not to comment to the media. By Rex Hodge Follow Rex on Twitter @RexHodgeWLOS _______________ Follow WLOS on social media: WLOS ABC 13 News on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/News13/ WLOS ABC 13 News on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WLOS_13 WLOS ABC 13 News on Instagram: https://instagram.com/wlos_13 Subscribe to WLOS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ABC13Channel/?sub_confirmation=1 Listen to AnchorMOMS, the Podcast: https://wlos.com/news/anchormoms/anchormoms-the-podcast Watch more top local news stories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk8Ge6UXHJs&list=PLkVbaoT-aYbIvnEpR0Ct5QQQqYaORUSUH For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit http://www.wlos.com Watch our live newscasts and other live video at https://wlos.com/watch Have a news tip? Send it directly to us: Email us: [email protected] Call the Newsroom: 828.684.1340 WLOS ABC 13 News serves the Asheville, NC area and the rest of western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. We keep our audience informed through local news, weather forecasts, traffic updates, notices of community events, sports and entertainment programming since 1954.
