Ashe Mountain Times

Ryan Claar, a band instructor at Ashe County High School, was suspended with pay on Monday, Feb. 6, pending the completion of an investigation by the Ashe County Sheriff's Office and the district attorney's office, the school system's attorney said.

Ashe County Sheriff James Williams said Tuesday his department was "investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct between a teacher and student" at Ashe County High School. Williams did not name the teacher, but confirmed "the faculty member has been suspended." Williams said no further information would be forthcoming while the probe continues.

School officials, citing personnel law, would not comment on the nature of any accusations concerning Claar, and have referred all questions to attorney Fredrick Johnson of Faw, Folger & Johnson law firm of Mt. Airy.

“A superintendent has the authority to suspend a teacher with pay up to 90 days pending an investigation,” said Johnson. “If it turns out that the allegations are unwarranted, the teacher is reinstated and all references to the suspension are to be deleted from his official record. It's sort of after the fact as if it never happened.”

“I am aware that a matter is under investigation by the sheriff's department and district attorney's office,” said Johnson. “I cannot make any comment on that matter until the investigation is completed.”

Johnson said he became aware of the accusations around the time of Claar's suspension, a routine practice amongst school officials.

In Claar's absence, Johnson said a substitute licensed music instructor is currently overseeing the program.

Mason Harris, president of the school's band boosters, declined to comment on the accusations surrounding Claar, but did say he was aware of his “leave of absence” from the band program.

Whatever direction the investigation may take, Harris hopes the community will remember what is most important: the students within the band program.

“Our kids at the high school, that's what we need to be concerned with,” said Harris. “We need to take care of the kids, the high school and the program. That should be our number one priority.

“As a band parent and ex-band member myself, this program and the kids are the most important thing to me,” said Harris. “That is what this community needs to remember.”

Attempts to reach Claar have been unsuccessful.

Claar joined ACHS in 2010, following the retirement of long-time band instructor Scott Turnmyre.