Ready to Go

A ribbon-cutting marks the start of work to turn TVA’s East Tower into offices for Knox County Schools and the University of Tennessee.

School Board Mandates Masks

Concerned about inconsistencies between schools, Knox County makes clear that students, staff and visitors will need face coverings indoors.

Superintendent Bob Thomas says the school system doesn’t have enough teachers to handle 18,000 online students this year.

The new school year will bring mandatory masks, an online option and a week’s delay to allow staff time to prepare.

The school system’s plan for reopening in the fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t finalized, but there will be a remote learning option.

As Knox County Schools sorts out options for reopening this fall, a community task force says parents need to hear more clarity.

But a 7-2 vote shows a growing desire to think about what — and who — comes next.

For the first time since the pandemic began, the Knox County Board of Health will meet on Wednesday to consider the county’s response.

The $503.8 million package is down from last year, with reductions in staff and minimal raises for teachers.

In its first virtual meeting, the school board supports a plan to provide educational materials to students stranded while classrooms are closed.