Limits of Control

Knox County Schools administrator Theresa Nixon addresses the school board at its Dec. 4 workshop

As a second charter school prepares to open in Knox County, the school board is relearning what authority it has — and doesn’t have.

Play Action

Students at the playground event at Fountain City Elementary School.

The Knox Education Foundation launches a $4.5 million campaign to fund school playgrounds, taking the burden off individual schools.

Power Poll: School Choices

Screenshot of Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, at a hearing of the state working group on federal funding on Nov. 14.

Our survey of community leaders shows skepticism about school vouchers and rejecting federal education funding.

Protecting Employee Voices

Knox County Education Association President Paula Hancock speaks to the school board at its Oct. 2 work session.

The school board affirms teachers’ and staff members’ right to speak up without fear of reprisal.

Farragut ‘Solutions’

Screenshot of Susan Horn at school board meeting on 10/2/23/

After two years of trying, Knox County Schools has found property for a new school at the county’s western edge. Now it just has to decide what kind.

Goals, Hits and Misses

Superintendent Jon Rysewyk speaks to school board members during their annual work session

In his first-year ‘action plan,’ Superintendent Jon Rysewyk’s administration met most of its targets for improvement — but has some make-up work to do.

Contract Workers

Teaching assistant

The Knox County school board votes to hire a staffing service to fill special education needs.

Course Correction

Superintendent Jon Rysewyk at a lectern in front of Copper Ridge Elementary School

A year into the job, Superintendent Jon Rysewyk has significantly restructured and refocused Knox County Schools. More is on the way.