Knox County Schools
Superintendent's Office
SUPERINTENDENT DR. JON RYSEWYK
When I became Superintendent, Knox County Schools was already known for its strong educators and committed families. But I wanted to take a closer look at whether our work was truly meeting the needs of every student—and what we might need to change to ensure all students are ready for life after graduation.
With the help of educators, families, students, and community members, we identified four key priorities to focus our efforts:
- Excellence in Foundational Skills
- Great Educators in Every School
- Career Empowerment and Preparation
- Success for Every Student
Now, five years in, these priorities anchor our 2030 Strategic Plan: Every Student Future Ready. The goals are bold—because they need to be. Our students deserve a district that pushes itself to improve, and a community committed to doing what’s right.
To support this vision, we’ve made intentional changes to strengthen both structure and service.
We reorganized the district office into four service divisions—Academics; Business and Talent; Operations; and Student Success—and regionalized school support by geography and feeder pattern to ensure faster, more responsive service.
We’ve expanded The 865 Academies to give students greater access to real-world learning. We’re investing in early literacy and foundational math, reimagining the middle school experience, improving supports for students with disabilities, and leveraging technology to give educators more time to focus on instruction.
We’ve raised salaries, expanded professional development, and are building a stronger recruitment and retention strategy.
We’re also listening more—strengthening communication and deepening partnerships with families and the broader community.
There’s no quick fix. This is long-term work, and the stakes are high. But I believe in our students. I believe in the people doing the work to support them. And I believe in continuous improvement—because the future of Knox County begins in our classrooms.
Kori Lautner
Assistant Superintendent of Impact and Policy
Adrian Rucker
Senior Advisor of Innovation
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The education blueprint
Join KCS Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk and co-host/parent Prentice Elliott as they dive into the latest topics regarding K-12 education with help from knowledgeable guests.
Dr. Rysewyk Family Messages
Every month, Dr. Rysewyk shares a video message with families to highlight important initiatives, upcoming events, and great work being done by teachers and students.
lunch break with the super
Join Dr. Jon Rysewyk and members of his senior leadership team for lunch. Your questions help guide the discussion, so check back regularly for updated dates and locations.