Knox County Schools
District Office
The district office is organized into four operational divisions—Academics, Business and Talent, Operations, and Student Services. Each division is led by an assistant superintendent and supported by a team of experts dedicated to forwarding the mission and vision of Knox County Schools.
District Office Responsibilities
supporting schools
through regional content support teams, curriculum guidance, IT, transportation, facilities, maintenance, resource management, and more.
supporting staff
with payroll, benefits, timely data distribution, HR needs, IT assistance, professional development, and more.
supporting familes & communities
through proactive communication, accurate and transparent reporting, access to information, accountability monitoring, resource coordination, and more.
Divisions
Academics
The Academics Division cultivates strong school and classroom leadership with intentional professional development and provides regionalized instructional support for every student from preschool through high school to provide the skills, experiences, and opportunities for excelling in and beyond the classroom.
Dr. Keith Wilson
Assistant Superintendent of Academics
About Dr. Wilson
Credentials
Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Administration and Masters of Education from Carson-Newman University; Bachelors of Geography concentrated in Earth Science Education from East Tennessee State University
Education Philosophy
My philosophy for education has evolved for me over time. Growing up and as a young teacher, I knew the impact education could have on a kid, because I was fortunate to have really good teachers growing up. Education can shift the life trajectory of a child. As a district leader, I think about the overall role the school system plays in the economics and health of a community. It's our responsibility as educators to be the best we can be to ensure a good outcome for our students and the broader community. At the end of the day, a successful school district means more viability for the community in the future.
How I Got Into Education
I was fortunate to have really good teachers growing up in the schools I went to in KCS. My coaches and teachers played a big role in my life in terms of influencing me and influencing my passion for learning. I always enjoyed learning because of the dedicated teachers I had. I became an educator because I wanted to share that joy with other people.
Business and Talent
The Business and Talent Division recruits, retains, and develops the highly talented and diverse workforce of KCS through innovative training, support, and recruitment and by effectively and efficiently managing and safeguarding public funds with integrity and transparency for the benefit of KCS students and families.
Jennifer Hemmelgarn
Assistant Superintendent of Business and Talent
About Ms. Hemmelgarn
Credentials
Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law; Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Law from Western Carolina University
Education Philosophy
I believe that our people are our biggest asset, in education and beyond. Teachers deliver our mission every day and make sure that all of our students are successful during their time with us and after.
How I Got Into Education
I am a product of KCS and a proud parent in KCS. I went to law school because I wanted to help people, and I do think my time in private practice prepared me for that. However, I was looking for a way to make a bigger investment in the community, which led me to public education. Public education has an impact on every member of a community, and I'm thankful that I get to be a part.
Operations
The Operations Division maintains safe, healthy, and engaging learning environments for all students by equipping every school with the infrastructural and operational support needed to promote and preserve effective classroom instruction.
Dr. Garfield Adams
Assistant Superintendent of Operations
About Dr. Adams
Credentials
Doctorate in Education and Education Specialist degree in Administrative Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University; Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Special Education from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Education Philosophy
This quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is my all-time favorite quote about education. “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character–that is the goal of true education.”
How I Got Into Education
I started my career as a special education teacher at Central High School. I loved working with kids, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do at a very young age coming out of high school. Working with kids in whatever capacity. I went into special education because I wanted to work with students who had challenges and give them an opportunity to overcome those challenges.
Departments
Student Services
The Student Services Division creates accessible and effective learning environments for all students through the implementation of intentional and individualized instruction, services, interventions, and supports.
Dr. Andrew Brown
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
About Dr. Brown
Credentials
Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Education Specialist degree from Carson-Newman University; Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University; Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Carson-Newman University
Education Philosophy
I'm a firm believer that education is the great equalizer. In the student services division specifically, I believe we exist to remove barriers and allow every student to access education and have the same opportunities.
How I Got Into Education
While I was in school as a pre-med student, I had a particularly impactful advisor who took the time to discuss my career goals. He said something to me that immediately sent me down a different path towards education. He said, "You could be a doctor, or you could inspire 100,000 people to be doctors. Just because you can, doesn't mean you have to. Why be one when you can inspire thousands?" I had a love for science, and I wanted others to love it, too. Becoming a teacher allowed me to watch others fall in love with science and inspire them to pursue science-related fields.
