Knox County, TN

Board of Education Regular Session

The Knox County Board of Education will consider the 2026-2027 Differentiated Pay Plan and 2027 employee health insurance premium rates. The board will also review a long-term vision for special education and vote on multiple school zone adjustments.

• Approval of a $2,216,087.92 Voluntary Pre-K Grant
• Proposed $480,000.00 fund balance designation for Maintenance and Operations vehicles
• School zone adjustments for the 7100 block of Northshore Drive and 200 block of John Sevier Highway
• Contract for fire alarm monitoring services up to $100,000.00
• New Policy I-223 regarding use of digital devices in grades K-5

Policy Review Meeting

The Board of Education is meeting to review three specific policies and conduct an annual review of policies impacted by recent legal changes.

• Review of Policy I-211
• Review of Policy I-212
• Review of Policy I-241
• Annual review of policies affected by recent changes to the law

Board of Education Regular Session

The Knox County Board of Education will consider an amended General Purpose Budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The board is also reviewing multiple policy updates and various service contracts for schools.

• Amended FY2027 General Purpose Budget of $713,665,000.00
• Contract with Powerschool Group LLC for technology solutions up to $250,000.00
• Contract with Public Consulting Group LLC for Alternative Schools Redesign estimated at $110,000.00
• School Turnaround Program Grants totaling $250,000.00 for Green Magnet Academy and Northwest Middle School
• Bearden High School tennis court resurfacing and basketball goal installation at a cost of $40,273.00

Board of Education Work Session

The Knox County Board of Education will hold a work session to receive a presentation on budget revisions for Fiscal Year 2027. The board will also introduce the 2026-2027 student representative and discuss the agenda for the July 9 regular session.

• Presentation on Revisions to Fiscal Year 2027 General Purpose Budget
• Introduction of Dominick Pelaia, 2026-2027 Board of Education Student Representative
• Discussion of July 9, 2026 Regular Session Agenda

Board of Education Regular Session

The Board is considering first readings for multiple policies regarding public charter schools, student health, and psychological services. The meeting includes votes on several million-dollar state grants and various school facility improvements.

• Grant applications for FY 2027 including $24,882,417.06 for Federal Title grants and $15,313,227.00 for IDEA Part B
• Purchase of nine Ford trucks and two Ford vans for Maintenance and Operations not to exceed $480,000.00
• First readings of new and amended policies on Public Charter Schools (I-450, I-451, I-452)
• Replacement of Farragut High School stage flooring at a cost of $69,800.00
• Purchase of basketball court and playground equipment for Copper Ridge Elementary at a cost of $42,853.39

The Knox County Board of Education approved a resolution requesting state legislators consider amendments to the Age-Appropriate Materials Act, including contextual review, local board authority, and grade-level differentiation. The board also approved a consent agenda with numerous contracts and grants, and passed first readings of multiple policy updates. A motion to reinstate 123 removed library titles failed.

• Approved resolution to amend Age-Appropriate Materials Act (5-4)
• Approved consent agenda including floor tile bid, DBQ Project subscription ($71,741.25), FinalForms athletic platform, and multiple school production contracts (9-0)
• Approved first readings of 15 board policies including Family and Community Engagement, Public Charter Schools, Medication, and Student Suicide Prevention (9-0 each)
• Approved FY2027 federal grants totaling $24,882,417.06 (Title I, II, III, IV) and $15,787,559.00 (IDEA) (9-0)
• Approved Summer Learning Camps grant of $7,570,075.08 (9-0)
• Approved purchase of 9 Ford trucks and 2 vans up to $480,000 (9-0)
• Approved fund balance designation of $75,000 for school safety equipment (9-0)
• Denied motion to reinstate 123 removed library titles (1-5-2)

Board of Education Work Session

The Knox County Board of Education holds a work session to receive reports and discuss agenda items for the upcoming regular session. Key topics include a quarterly threat assessment, a naming facilities committee update, and compliance procedures for the Age-Appropriate Materials Act. No final votes are taken at work sessions.

• Quarterly Threat Report
• Naming Facilities Committee Report
• Age-Appropriate Materials Act: Process and Compliance
• Discussion of June 4 regular session agenda
• Public forum limited to agenda items

The Knox County Board of Education held a work session on June 1, 2026, where Superintendent Rysewyk announced his decision to return Alex Haley's 'Roots' to school libraries, citing legal complexity and a preference for access. The board discussed the Age-Appropriate Materials Act, educational technology policies, and reviewed the Naming Facilities Committee's recommendations for four facility naming proposals. No formal votes were taken on these items, as they were scheduled for the June 4 regular session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (8-0)
• Superintendent decided to return 'Roots' to library shelves
• Naming Facilities Committee recommended 4 facility naming nominations for Board approval
• Board discussed proposed policy changes for Age-Appropriate Materials Act and educational technology
• Ms. Henderson requested to withdraw item 8K from June 4 agenda

Naming Facilities Committee Meeting

The Naming Facilities Committee will meet to consider four nominations for naming school facilities after individuals. They will also elect a committee chair and handle other business. No decisions are final; the committee makes recommendations to the full Board of Education.

• Consideration of nomination of Mike Ragsdale for naming of L&N STEM Academy Library
• Consideration of nomination of Charles "Chuck" Comer for naming of West Valley Middle School Gymnasium Floor
• Consideration of nomination of Lieutenant Gordon "Officer G." Gwathney for naming of Austin-East Magnet High School Security Office
• Consideration of nomination of David Moore for naming of Farragut High School Softball Facility

The Naming Facilities Committee unanimously recommended naming the L&N STEM Academy Library after Mike Ragsdale, the West Valley Middle School Gymnasium Floor after Charles "Chuck" Comer, the Austin-East Magnet High School Security Office after Lieutenant Gordon "Officer G." Gwathney, and the Farragut High School Softball Facility after David Moore. All recommendations will be submitted to the Board of Education for consideration at its June 4, 2026 regular session. The committee also elected Lauren Morgan as chair.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Elected Lauren Morgan as Committee Chair (3-0)
• Recommended naming L&N STEM Academy Library after Mike Ragsdale (3-0)
• Recommended naming West Valley Middle School Gymnasium Floor after Charles "Chuck" Comer (3-0)
• Recommended naming Austin-East Magnet High School Security Office after Lieutenant Gordon "Officer G." Gwathney (3-0)
• Recommended naming Farragut High School Softball Facility after David Moore (3-0)

Policy Review Meeting

The Knox County Board of Education will hold a policy review meeting to discuss several sections of the district's policy manual. The agenda includes reviews of policies I-450, I-270, I-211, I-212, I-241, and the J Section policies J-350 through J-580.

• Review of Policy I-450
• Review of Policy I-270
• Review of Policies I-211, I-212 and I-241
• Review of J Section Policies J-350 through J-580

The Knox County Board of Education held a work session on May 15, 2026, reviewing several board policies. Revised versions of Policy I-450, I-270, and J-section policies J-352 through J-580 will be added to the June 2026 regular session agenda for consideration. No final decisions were made; the session was procedural, with all actions being reviews and scheduling for future votes.

• Reviewed Policy I-450 and proposed I-451, I-452; revised versions to be added to June 2026 agenda
• Reviewed Policy I-270; revised version to be added to June 2026 agenda
• Reviewed Policies I-211, I-212, I-241; possible revisions at future date
• Reviewed J-section policies J-350 through J-580; revised versions of J-352, J-354, J-355, J-360, J-370, J-410, J-450, J-500, J-550, J-552, J-580 to be added to June 2026 agenda

Board of Education Regular Session

The Knox County Board of Education will vote on the superintendent's employment contract and a school safety contract. The consent agenda includes multiple contracts, grants, and policy revisions on student discipline. The board will also consider budget transfers, a new school calendar, and a memorandum with the teachers' association.

• Approve Superintendent's Employment Contract
• Approve Contract No. 26-268 related to School Safety
• Approve Tennessee Department of Education Fiscal Year 2027 Turnaround Action Grant 6 in the amount of $1,328,728.00 for six schools
• Approve Contract with Anixter Inc. for Networking Materials at an estimated annual cost of $1,000,000.00
• Approve second reading of Policy J-190 'Code of Behavior and Discipline' as amended

The Knox County Board of Education approved the superintendent's employment contract and a new evaluation instrument (8-1, with Steve Triplett dissenting). The board also approved a school safety contract, a consent agenda with 15 items, and second readings of 12 revised student discipline policies. All other agenda items, including grants, contracts, and the 2027-2028 school calendar, were approved unanimously.

• Approved Superintendent's Employment Contract (9-0)
• Approved Superintendent Evaluation Instrument (8-1, Triplett no)
• Approved Contract No. 26-268 for School Safety (9-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including turf at Sequoyah Elementary and cafeteria disposables bid (9-0)
• Approved second reading of Policy J-190 'Code of Behavior and Discipline' as amended (9-0)
• Rescinded Policy J-191 'Misbehaviors and Disciplinary Options' (9-0)
• Approved 2027-2028 School Year Calendar (9-0)
• Approved MOU with Knox County Education Association for 3 years (9-0)

Board of Education Work Session

The Knox County Board of Education held a work session to discuss non-binding updates, recognitions, and future agenda items. No formal decisions were listed on the agenda, which centered on procedural items, student achievements, and committee reports.

• Special recognition of Lucy Farley, Tennessee Secretary of State's 2026 Civics Essay Contest winner (3rd–5th grade)
• Announcement of the 2026–2027 Board of Education Student Representative
• Discussion of the May 7, 2026 Regular Session agenda

The Knox County Board of Education held a work session with no substantive votes beyond approving the agenda (9-0). The board heard reports on the $717 million FY2027 budget, recognized a student essay contest winner, and announced Dominick Pelaia as the 2026-2027 student representative. Discussion covered a proposed new superintendent evaluation instrument and contract changes, plus revisions to Policy J-190, all slated for the May 7 regular session.

• Approved meeting agenda (9-0)
• Recognized Lucy Farley for civics essay contest win
• Announced Dominick Pelaia as 2026-2027 student representative
• Discussed proposed superintendent evaluation instrument and contract changes
• Discussed revisions to Policy J-190

Board of Education Called Meeting

The Board of Education is meeting to consider the approval of three separate budgets for Fiscal Year 2027. These budgets cover general purpose spending, capital projects, and school nutrition.

• Fiscal Year 2027 General Purpose Budget: $717,685,000.00
• Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget: $82,011,000.00
• Fiscal Year 2027 School Nutrition Fund Budget: $33,943,000.00

The Knox County Board of Education unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2027 General Purpose Budget of $717,685,000, the Capital Budget of $82,011,000, and the School Nutrition Fund Budget of $33,943,000, all by 9-0 votes. The meeting included extensive discussion on technology spending, staffing reductions tied to enrollment, and the capital plan process. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved FY2027 General Purpose Budget of $717,685,000 (9-0)
• Approved FY2027 Capital Budget of $82,011,000 (9-0)
• Approved FY2027 School Nutrition Fund Budget of $33,943,000 (9-0)

Board of Education Regular Session

The Knox County Board of Education will vote on a significant budget reallocation for the Mechanicsville-Lonsdale-Beaumont Project and a petition to terminate the Knoxville Preparatory School charter. The board is also reviewing first readings for 12 student conduct and discipline policies.

• Budget line-item transfer of $8,410,406.00 to the Mechanicsville-Lonsdale-Beaumont Project
• Petition from Prep Public Schools to terminate the Knoxville Preparatory School Charter School Agreement
• Contract with Skilled Services Quality Construction, LLC for $262,100.00 for Innovative School Model Phase 4 Projects
• Contract with Professional Environmental Consulting, Inc. for asbestos monitoring up to $200,000.00 annually
• First readings for 12 policies including Code of Behavior and Discipline (J-190) and Student Suspension (J-193)

The Knox County Board of Education approved a $8,410,406 budget line-item transfer from the School Construction Fund to support the Mechanicsville-Lonsdale-Beaumont Project. The board also accepted a petition from Prep Public Schools to terminate the Knoxville Preparatory School charter agreement. All votes were unanimous (9-0).

• Approved $8,410,406 budget transfer for Mechanicsville-Lonsdale-Beaumont project (9-0)
• Accepted petition to terminate Knoxville Preparatory School charter agreement (9-0)
• Approved $262,100 contract with Skilled Services Quality Construction for school projects (9-0)
• Approved $200,000 annual asbestos monitoring contract with Professional Environmental Consulting (9-0)
• Approved first reading of 12 student discipline and conduct policy updates (9-0)
• Approved $24,600 in state educator scholarships (9-0)
• Approved $100,000 MOU with CAC for summer camp meals (9-0)
• Approved bid to Sysco Knoxville for school cafeteria food (9-0)

Board of Education Work Session

The Knox County Board of Education will hold a work session to discuss the agenda for the April 9, 2026 regular session. The meeting includes a superintendent's report, a legislative update, and a strategic plan committee update.

• Superintendent's Report
• Legislative Update
• Strategic Plan Committee Update
• Discussion of April 9, 2026 Regular Session Agenda
• Public Forum

The Knox County Board of Education held a work session with no formal votes on substantive items. They approved the agenda unanimously (9-0) and scheduled a called meeting for April 23 to consider the FY2027 budget, with a community budget meeting on April 14. The board also agreed to delay consideration of a new superintendent evaluation instrument and contract changes to May, and discussed upcoming agenda items including a charter school termination petition.

• Approved meeting agenda (9-0)
• Scheduled called meeting for April 23 to consider FY2027 budget
• Scheduled community budget meeting for April 14 at 5:00 pm
• Delayed superintendent evaluation instrument and contract changes to May

Policy Review Meeting

The Knox County Board of Education is holding a policy review meeting to discuss J Section policies (J-190 through J-330). No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to policy review and other business.

• Review of J Section Policies J-190 through J-330

The Knox County Board of Education held a policy review meeting on March 27, 2026, reviewing Board Policies J-190 through J-330. Proposed revisions to 12 policies (J-190, J-191, J-193, J-195, J-196, J-211, J-212, J-250, J-280, J-281, J-320, J-330) will be added to the April 2026 regular session agenda for consideration. No final decisions were made; the meeting was procedural, and three previously delayed policies (C-180, C-181, I-450) were postponed again to a future meeting.

• Reviewed Board Policies J-190 through J-330
• Proposed revisions to 12 policies added to April 2026 agenda
• Delayed review of Policies C-180, C-181, and I-450 to future meeting

Board of Education Regular Session

The Knox County Board of Education will vote on several grants, contracts, and policy updates. Key items include a zoning proposal for the North Central/Northwest Sector and the adoption of new textbooks for PE, Health and Wellness, and Career and Technical Education.

• Grant of $1,200,000 from Morgan Wallen Foundation for Gibbs High School athletic fields
• Fund balance designation of $8,610,000 for new textbooks and instructional materials
• North Central/Northwest Sector Zoning Proposal
• Contract with United Elevator Services, LLC up to $171,071.00
• Rocky Hill Elementary School basketball court replacement at a cost of $78,613.00

The Knox County Board of Education approved the North Central/Northwest Sector Zoning Proposal, which will rezone some Powell Elementary students to Karns and Brickey-McCloud elementaries starting in 2027-2028. The vote was 5-2-2, with two members voting no and two passing. The board also approved several policies, grants, contracts, and a fund balance designation for new textbooks.

• Approved North Central/Northwest Sector Zoning Proposal (5-2-2)
• Approved second reading of Policy I-341 'Uniform Grading Policy' (9-0)
• Approved second reading of Policy J-123 'Summer School Attendance' (9-0)
• Approved second reading of Policy J-152 'Student Transfers Within the System' (9-0)
• Approved rescinding Policy J-153 'Sibling Priority Admission' (9-0)
• Approved $1.2M Morgan Wallen Foundation grant for Gibbs High School multi-use field (9-0)
• Approved $8.61M fund balance designation for new textbooks (9-0)
• Approved contract with United Elevator Services up to $171,071 (9-0)

Board of Education Work Session

The Board of Education will meet for a work session to receive reports and discuss the upcoming regular session agenda. The meeting includes updates on the strategic plan and legislative matters.

• Quarterly Threat Report
• Legislative Update
• Strategic Plan Committee Update
• Discussion of March 5, 2026 Regular Session Agenda
• Recognition of Gibbs High School Softball Coach Carol Mitchell

The Knox County Board of Education held a work session on March 2, 2026, where the main topic was a proposed rezoning plan to address overcrowding at Powell Elementary School. The board discussed the plan, heard public comments, and received updates on the budget, threats, and legislative matters, but took no formal votes on the rezoning or other substantive items. The rezoning proposal is scheduled for consideration at a future regular session.

• Approved the meeting agenda (9-0)
• Recognized Gibbs High School Softball Coach Carol Mitchell as National Coach of the Year
• Discussed proposed Powell Elementary rezoning; no vote taken
• Scheduled Policy Review meeting for March 27, 2026
• Scheduled community budget meeting for April 14, 2026

Strategic Plan Committee Meeting

The Knox County Board of Education Strategic Plan Committee will meet to discuss the Superintendent's Evaluation Tool. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's agenda and other business. The meeting is largely procedural.

• Superintendent's Evaluation Tool discussion

The Strategic Plan Committee approved a finalized Superintendent Evaluation instrument, recommending it for Board of Education consideration. The committee also agreed to present the instrument at the March work session and add it to the April regular session agenda, along with any proposed contract changes, after discussing legal timing constraints.

• Approved finalized Superintendent Evaluation instrument (3-0)
• Recommended instrument for Board of Education consideration (3-0)
• Agreed to present instrument at March work session and add to April agenda

Board of Education Regular Session

The Knox County Board of Education will hear a presentation on the Powell Area solution, a key discussion about a specific community issue. The board will also vote on several grants totaling over $4.7 million, including a $2.4 million literacy materials grant and a $1.16 million turnaround grant. Policy revisions up for final approval include early graduation, graduation with honors, test security, and controversial issues, while first readings cover summer school attendance, student transfers, rescinding sibling priority admission, and uniform grading.

• Powell Area Solution Presentation (discussion item)
• Approve Tennessee Department of Education 5-year Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant: $2,400,000
• Approve Turnaround Action Grant 6 ($1,168,728) and State School Improvement Grant 3 ($866,760)
• Approve second reading of policies I-371 (Early Graduation), I-373 (Graduating with Honors), I-383 (Test Security), I-420 (Controversial Issues), I-440 (Wellness)
• Approve amended resolution to surplus a small parcel on Fulton High School campus for City of Knoxville's Woodland Avenue Sidewalk Project

The Knox County Board of Education met and approved the consent agenda, including contracts, grants, and policy changes. A presentation on a proposed rezoning plan for the Powell area was given, but no final decision was made. The board also approved several policy amendments and grants.

• Approved consent agenda (8-0), including contracts and agreements
• Approved second reading of Policy I-371 'Early Graduation' (8-0)
• Approved second reading of Policy I-373 'Graduating with Honors or Distinction' (8-0)
• Approved second reading of Policy I-383 'Test Security' (8-0)
• Approved second reading of Policy I-420 'Controversial Issues' (8-0)
• Approved second reading of Policy I-440 'Wellness Policy' (8-0)
• Approved first reading of Policy J-123 'Summer School Attendance' (8-0)
• Approved first reading of Policy J-152 'Student Transfers Within the System' (8-0)

Board of Education Called Meeting

The Knox County Board of Education is holding a called meeting to consider a resolution requesting the Tennessee Commissioner of Education to decide on the waiver request from Wilberforce Academy of Knoxville to operate a religious public charter school. The agenda also includes routine items such as approval of the agenda and a public forum.

• Consideration of a resolution to request the Commissioner of Education decide the waiver request of Wilberforce Academy of Knoxville to operate a religious public charter school

The Knox County Board of Education held a called meeting on February 5, 2026, to consider a resolution requesting the Tennessee Commissioner of Education decide on a waiver request from Wilberforce Academy of Knoxville to operate a religious public charter school. The board voted 3-3-3 (with two recusals and one pass) to fail the resolution, meaning no action was taken. A motion to postpone indefinitely also failed 4-3-2. The board took no other substantive actions.

• Approved meeting agenda (9-0)
• Motion to postpone resolution indefinitely failed (4-3-2)
• Resolution to request Commissioner of Education decide waiver failed (3-3-3)

Board of Education Work Session - CANCELED

This meeting was canceled due to inclement weather. No items were discussed or decided.

The Knox County Board of Education work session scheduled for February 2, 2026, was canceled due to inclement weather. No decisions were made or items discussed.

Policy Review Meeting

The Knox County Board of Education will review proposed policy I-450 on public charter schools and a set of J-section policies (J-100 through J-190) concerning students. Item 1, a new policy on physical education credit substitutions, was withdrawn and will not be discussed. The meeting also includes an opportunity for other business.

• Review of Board Policy I-450 Public Charter Schools
• Review of J Section Board Policies J-100 through J-190
• Proposed Policy I-124 for physical education credit substitutions was withdrawn
• Other business

The Knox County Board of Education held a policy review meeting on January 23, 2026, where no substantive decisions were made. The proposed new policy I-124 on physical education credit substitutions was withdrawn. Revisions to Policy I-450 (Public Charter Schools) and J-section policies were reviewed, with further review planned. Proposed revisions to Policies J-123, J-152, and J-153 will be added to the February 2026 regular session agenda for consideration.

• Withdrew proposed new Policy I-124 (Substitutions for Physical Education Credit)
• Reviewed proposed revisions to Policy I-450 (Public Charter Schools); further review scheduled
• Reviewed J-section policies J-100 through J-190; proposed revisions to J-123, J-152, J-153 to be added to February 2026 agenda
• Noted amendments to Policies C-180 and C-181 passed on second reading at January 2026 regular session; training for administrators planned

Board of Education Regular Session

The Knox County Board of Education will vote on the schematic design package for a new K-8 school, the superintendent's annual evaluation, and tenure for eligible teachers. The consent agenda includes contracts for asphalt paving, window film, and a school turnaround plan for Northwest Middle School costing up to $125,000. Several policy changes are up for second reading, including paid parental leave and advertising in schools.

• Approve schematic design package for new K-8 school by Lewis Group Architects
• Approve Superintendent's Annual Evaluation
• Approve tenure for eligible teachers
• Approve contract with Catapult Learning for Northwest Middle School turnaround plan, not to exceed $125,000
• Approve second reading of Policy G-467 'Paid Parental Leave' as amended

The Knox County Board of Education approved the schematic design package for a new K-8 school by Lewis Group Architects, along with the superintendent's annual evaluation, tenure for eligible teachers, and several policy changes. All votes were unanimous (9-0). The board also approved a consent agenda including contracts, grants, and school improvement projects.

• Approved schematic design package for new K-8 school (9-0)
• Approved Superintendent's Annual Evaluation (9-0)
• Approved tenure for eligible teachers (9-0)
• Approved second reading of policies C-180, C-181, D-190, G-467, G-500, G-570 (9-0)
• Approved first reading of policies I-371, I-373, I-383, I-420, I-440 (9-0)
• Approved consent agenda including contracts, grants, and school projects (9-0)
• Approved $125,000 contract with Catapult Learning for Northwest Middle School turnaround (9-0)
• Approved $42,000 STEM classroom grants for nine schools (9-0)

Board of Education Work Session

The Knox County Board of Education holds a work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2025 Internal School Funds Audit Report, receive a legislative update, and hear a Strategic Plan Committee update. The meeting also includes a public forum and board discussion of an upcoming regular session agenda.

• Fiscal Year 2025 Internal School Funds Audit Report reviewed
• Legislative Update presented
• Strategic Plan Committee Update discussed

The Knox County Board of Education held a work session on January 5, 2026, reviewing agenda items for the upcoming regular session. No formal votes were taken, but the board discussed the schematic design for the new K-8 school, noting the capacity was reduced from 1,400 to 1,200 students due to space requirements and a $66 million budget. The board also received the FY2025 Internal School Funds Audit Report, which resulted in a clean opinion with two new findings.

• Approved meeting agenda (9-0)
• Reviewed FY2025 Internal School Funds Audit Report with clean opinion
• Discussed K-8 school design with capacity reduced to 1,200 students
• Noted 245 teachers eligible for tenure at January 8 regular session