First of all, before I had a stroke in August 2014, I was involved in the football and basketball programs at Ooltewah High School for 30 years. Two people who have replied in this thread know who I am face to face (baconbreath and RedRebels) I don't know everything about what is going on, the authorities in Sevier County knows the most of anybody.
On hardships, kids can transfer from failing schools and if the school doesn't offer a particular subject, they can transfer to a school that does. Ooltewah offers German, not too many schools offer that. There maybe more things, but that is one that I do know. In regards of the case, I'm gonna let the authorities in Sevier County fill me in what is going on. Everything else out there is conjecture at this point. I'm not defending these actions, but any comments from me is just my opinion and I don't know enough to comment.