Public Notices

On Friday, May 8, Knox County Schools will host a graduation celebration for Project SEARCH, a non-paid, transition-to-work program for individuals with disabilities in their final year with the district.

The five interns in the Project SEARCH Class of 2026 have secured employment with Aubrey’s, Food City, JTV, Marriott, and YMCA.

Principals, students, and family members may be available for interviews at the celebration.

Project SEARCH Celebration

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 9:30 am
Location: Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy, 3001 Brooks Avenue

Knox County Schools will host its second annual event recognizing high school seniors from across the district who have chosen to enlist in military service following graduation.

Military enlistment is one of the three "E's" highlighted in the district’s 865 Academies initiative, which encourages students to enroll in postsecondary education, enlist in the military, or pursue employment in a high-wage career.

The celebration will include a keynote address by Major General Warner A. Ross II, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Military and the 77th Adjutant General of the Tennessee National Guard. 

Celebrating Service Luncheon

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: Check-in at 11:30 a.m., Program starts at 12 p.m.
Location: Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley Street

Two or more board members may be present.

On Tuesday, April 14, Knox County Schools will host a Community Budget Meeting to share information about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities.

Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk and members of the Senior Leadership Team will provide an overview of the proposed plan, which will be presented to the Board of Education for consideration during a special-called meeting on Thursday, April 23. 

For those interested but unable to attend, the meeting will also be live-streamed at knoxschools.org.

Community Budget Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Summer Place Board Room, 500 W. Summit Hill Drive

Two or more board members may be present. 

On Thursday, April 9, Knox County Schools will host the “865 Ready! Hiring Expo,” which aims to connect local businesses with 11th- and 12th-grade job seekers.

The event will take place at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center. Companies will conduct on-site interviews for temporary, seasonal, summer, part-time, and full-time employment; youth and registered apprenticeships; work-based learning; and internship opportunities.

There will be a networking breakfast for participants that starts at 8:30 a.m. Students will be on site by 9 a.m.

UT Medical Center is the Industry Title Sponsor.

Comfort Systems USA Shoffner is the Silver Sponsor.

In-Kind Sponsors include: Bojangles Restaurants; Coca-Cola Consolidated; Junior Achievement of East Tennessee; Salsarita's; Shoney’s Restaurants, and YouScience.

865 Ready! Hiring Expo

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, 3301 E. Magnolia

Two or more board members may be present. 

On Saturday, April 11, Knox County Schools will host a Recruitment Fair for prospective employees. The event will feature principals from across Knox County, who will meet with candidates and share information about their school’s hiring needs.

Since 2022, KCS has made recruitment and retention a key focus of our work, and over the last two years, the district has made a historic investment of over $60 million in employee compensation. The district currently has around 100 teaching vacancies available for the 2026-27 school year.

This year’s Recruitment Fair will take place at West High School, and KCS principals will be available for media interviews at 9:30 a.m. If you are interested in covering this event, please RSVP to Abbey Harris at abbey.harris@knoxschools.org. 
 

Recruitment Fair

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: West High, 3300 Sutherland Ave.

Two or more board members may be present. 

Knox County Schools will host Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, giving families the opportunity to register rising preschoolers and kindergarteners for the 2026-27 school year. Families can begin the enrollment process by picking up an enrollment packet at their child’s zoned school.

Preschool Roundup

Preschool Roundup is open to families of children entering preschool. Thirty-one elementary schools will host events, with times varying by school. A full list of participating schools and times is available at knoxschools.org/preschoolroundup.

Kindergarten Roundup

Kindergarten Roundup is available to families of Knox County children who will be 5-years-old by August 15, 2026. All KCS elementary schools will participate. A list of school-specific times and helpful Kindergarten entry information can be found at knoxschools.org/kindergartenroundup. 

Families attending both events should bring the following documents:

• Completed Enrollment Packet: Enrollment and emergency forms, and any school-specific paperwork.

• Proof of Birth: Government-issued birth certificate, passport, adoption decree, or other court-issued records.

• Immunization Records: Tennessee Department of Health Immunization Certificate signed by a physician or county health department.

• Proof of Residence: Gas, water, or electric bill. If the bill is not in the parent/guardian’s name, a notarized letter from the account holder confirming residency is required.
   

Families new to Knox County or unable to attend their school’s Roundup can still enroll students by visiting their zoned school to pick up an enrollment packet.

Preschool and Kindergarten Roundups

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: Varies by school - Preschool schedule here, Kindergarten schedule here
Location: Find zoned schools by visiting KGIS.org

Two or more board members may be present.

Austin-East High School will host a community celebration bringing together students, families, local businesses, and community partners for an evening of connection, student showcases, food, music, and fun.

The event – planned and led by AE students – will feature student showcases representing programs, clubs, and organizations, along with carnival games, bounce houses, hands-on activities, and a dunk tank.

Admission and parking are free, and all AEHS students, families, alumni, community partners, and feeder school communities are welcome. Food will be provided free to the first 150 guests, with additional items available for purchase.

The official event flyer is attached and was designed by Jaheim Tate, a 10th grade student in the school’s Audio Visual pathway of the 865 Academies.

Details of the ceremony are outlined below:

Roadie’s Block Party

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Austin-East High School, 2800 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue

*Attendees should park in the rear parking lot.

Two or more board members may be present.

KCS Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk and leaders from the KCS School Safety Department will host a graduation ceremony for new School Safety Officers this evening.

The ceremony will recognize recruits from School Safety Department Training Academy Class 2026-01, who are joining the School Safety Department after a rigorous 8-week training course.

Mark McKee, Special Agent in Charge of the East Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s East Region, will give the keynote address.

Details of the ceremony are outlined below:

School Safety Officer Graduation Ceremony
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: West High School, Small Auditorium - 3300 Sutherland Avenue

Two or more board members may be present.

Nearly 200 teachers and principals from across Knox County Schools were honored Tuesday evening at the annual KCS Teacher of the Year banquet, held at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Recipients were nominated by their peers and selected using the Tennessee Department of Education’s guidelines for Teacher of the Year. Teachers from every school and principals from every region were represented. 

The following principal and three educators were recognized as district-wide winners. 

• Principal: Dr. Trina Spista - Amherst Elementary (video)
• PreK-4th Grade: Jake Albright - 3rd Grade at Green Magnet Academy (video)
• 5th-8th Grade: Kathy Parnell - 6th-8th Comprehensive Development at Gibbs Middle (video)
• 9th-12th Grade: Hannah Berkley - Choir, Technical Theater, Musical Theater at South-Doyle High (video)

School winners are listed below by region.

Preschool
April Partin, Principal - Cedar Bluff Preschool
Trina Thompson - Cedar Bluff Preschool
Christina Chapman - Fair Garden Family Center
Connie Mitchell - Ft. Sanders Educational Development Center
Jena Webb - Karns Preschool

Region 1
Tracy Marsh, Principal - A.L. Lotts Elementary
Amy Jo Evers - A.L. Lotts Elementary
Megan Noe - A.L. Lotts Elementary
Amanda Phipps - A.L. Lotts Elementary
Valerie Sharp - Bearden Elementary
Shannon Fussaro - Bearden High
Tonya Leigh Henke - Bearden High
Stephanie Panczer Garza - Bearden High
Kristen Skates - Bearden High
S.P. Webb - Bearden High
Susan Crawfor Hatcher - Bearden Middle
Luz Martinez - Bearden Middle
Janine Poole - Bearden Middle
Hannah Smith - Bearden Middle
Holly Wells - Blue Grass Elementary
Julie Dorsey - Farragut High
Al Fontenot - Farragut High
Jake Gulledge - Farragut High
Lizzi Kersey - Farragut High
Whitney Parson - Farragut High
Lacey Bullard - Farragut Intermediate
Kristin Hobbs - Farragut Intermediate
Hannah Reddick - Farragut Intermediate
Ashley Collins - Farragut Middle
Brian Fogarty - Farragut Middle
Katie Rickard - Farragut Middle
Lauren Rutherford - Farragut Middle
Genie Borrego - Farragut Primary
Amber Roberts - Farragut Primary
Danielle Sanchez - Farragut Primary
Aleigh Diegel - Northshore Elementary
Emily Morsch - Northshore Elementary
Maria Stephanie Turpin - Northshore Elementary
Hannah Rosas - Pond Gap Elementary
Ali Edwards - Rocky Hill Elementary
Shelley Hill - Rocky Hill Elementary
Lauren Kimzey - Sequoyah Elementary
Michelle Casini - West High
Brooke Gasper - West High
Gina Hodges - West High
Kate Hoppenrath - West High
Emily Kenner - West High
Leigh Beisner - West Hills Elementary
Brittany Lyon - West Hills Elementary
Elizabeth Abee - West Valley Middle
Emily Abeles - West Valley Middle
Mary Josephine Bienko - West Valley Middle
Madeline Michelsen - West Valley Middle
Rachel Ruth - West Valley Middle
Wendy Markwood - West View Elementary

Region 2
Dr. Trina Spista, Principal - Amherst Elementary
Melissa Dishner - Amherst Elementary
Lindsey Newman - Amherst Elementary
Jennifer Cromwell - Ball Camp Elementary
Tim Bennett - Cedar Bluff Elementary
Laura O’Brien - Cedar Bluff Elementary
Jessica Wagner - Cedar Bluff Elementary
Sarah Brown Goldman - Cedar Bluff Middle
Carla McLeod - Cedar Bluff Middle
Jennifer Galloway - Hardin Valley Academy
Kaitlyn Gaskins - Hardin Valley Academy
Malcolm Gibbs - Hardin Valley Academy
Lisa Jacobs - Hardin Valley Academy
Holly Wilgus - Hardin Valley Academy
Barbara Hughes - Hardin Valley Elementary 
Andrea Johnson - Hardin Valley Elementary
Claire Johnson - Hardin Valley Elementary
Kimberly Mink - Hardin Valley Middle
Nicole Pendleton - Hardin Valley Middle
Chris Schaefer - Hardin Valley Middle
Brittany Barrow - Karns Elementary
Kate Castano - Karns Elementary
Amanda Jones - Karns Elementary
Phillip Beeler - Karns High
Seth Connor - Karns High
Jimbo Crawford - Karns High
Emma Horstmann - Karns High
Cynthia Rhoden - Karns High
Tyler Hill - Karns Middle
Noelle Kim - Karns Middle
Heather Plemons - Karns Middle
Misty Brown - Knox County Virtual
Jenny Driskill - Knox County Virtual
Megan Goebel - Mill Creek Elementary
Olivia Williams - Mill Creek Elementary
Constance Cox - Northwest Middle
Emily Griffin - Northwest Middle
Aly Pointer - Northwest Middle
Leila Myers - Norwood Elementary
Kim Ledington - Pleasant Ridge Elementary
Lori Harrell - Powell Elementary
Patience Votta - Powell Elementary
Julie Holt - Powell Elementary
Robin Jarman - Powell High
Kenny Johnston - Powell High
James Lee - Powell High
Kristen Farley - Powell Middle
Crystal Moore - Powell Middle
Amy Galeano - West Haven Elementary

Region 3
Anthony Norris, Principal - South-Doyle Middle
Jennifer Arnold - Bonny Kate Elementary
Ashley Davis - Bonny Kate Elementary
Natalie Ford - Bonny Kate Elementary
Cindy Brown - Career Magnet Academy
Teresa Johnson - Carter Elementary
Lauren Mynatt - Carter Elementary
Cynthia Cupp - Carter High
Jess Sherrod - Carter High
Lauren Henderson - Carter Middle
Jessica Neal - Carter Middle
Bryon Folk - Chilhoowee Intermediate
Courtney Edwards - Dogwood Elementary
Lisa Walker - Dogwood Elementary
Sarah Gore - East Knox County Elementary
Serena Winegardner - East Knox County Elementary
Rebecca Sellers - Gap Creek Elementary
Veronica Cordell - L&N STEM Academy
Robert Morris - Mooreland Heights Elementary
Amy Brantley - Mount Olive Elementary
Sherrie Young - New Hopewell Elementary
Mark Smith - Paul Kelly Volunteer Academy
Sarah Alvarez - South-Doyle High
Hannah Berkley - South-Doyle High
Tim Huettel - South-Doyle High
Kimberly Nixon - South-Doyle High
Lauren Mumford - South-Doyle Middle
David Pearson - South-Doyle Middle
Allex Semersky - South-Doyle Middle
Kaylee Anderson - South Knoxville Elementary
Randi Helton - Sunnyview Primary

Region 4
Dr. Danielle Rutig, Principal - Central High School
Karla Banks - Adrian Burnett Elementary
Amy Webb - Adrian Burnett Elementary
Lauren Desrosiers - Brickey-McCloud Elementary
Laure Smith - Brickey-McCloud Elementary
Kaylee Snider - Brickey-McCloud Elementary
Mark Alexander - Central High School
Ashley Cutshall - Central High School
Adam Kennedy Jollo - Central High School
Alex Mink - Central High School
Tammy Clark - Copper Ridge Elementary
Theresa Marie Kindrick - Copper Ridge Elementary
Kristin Pratt - Corryton Elementary 
Logan Tucker - Fountain City Elementary
Missy Jones - Gibbs Elementary
Cindy Kroeger - Gibbs Elementary
Holly Walker - Gibbs Elementary
Jacki Atkins - Gibbs High
Robin Davis - Gibbs High
Mandy Gilbert - Gibbs High
Laruen Downs - Gibbs Middle
Kathy Parnell - Gibbs Middle
Gracie Alward - Gresham Middle
Macy Burchfield - Gresham Middle
Lindsey Fields - Gresham Middle
Christie Evans - Halls Elementary
Robin Elizabeth Wallace - Halls Elementary
Victoria VanMaaren - Halls High
Tammy Wissing - Halls High
Alex Yaniello - Halls High
Emily Dennison - Halls Middle
Brittany Dunsmore - Halls Middle
Cricket Prentiss - Halls Middle
Angela Hazen - Inskip Elementary
Lacey Kington - Inskip Elementary
Dough Reynolds - KAEC
John Wynd - Richard Yoakley School
Kristopher Cope - Ridgedale School
Charlie Longmire - Ridgedale School
Rachel Cummings - Ritta Elementary
Shonna Howell - Ritta Elementary
Lauryn Garvey - Shannondale Elementary
Aber Swaggerty - Sterchi Elementary

Region 5
William Smith, Principal - Lonsdale Elementary
Erica Burse - Austin-East Magnet High
Hadley O’Hara - Austin-East Magnet High
Sky Smith - Austin-East Magnet High
Belinda Holdernesse - Beaumont Magnet Academy
Leslie Lane - Beaumont Magnet Academy
Olivia Cates - Belle Morris Elementary
Andrea Hetman - Belle Morris Elementary
Nikki Sanders - Christenberry Elementary
Patti Tipton - Christenberry Elementary
Parker Casler - Fulton High
Paris Hoover - Fulton High
David Miller - Fulton High
David Wright - Fulton High
Jake Albright - Green Magnet Academy
Kristiana Stratis - Green Magnet Academy
Melody Jones - Holston Middle
Katarina Boles - Lonsdale Elementary
Maritza Sierra Rosado - Lonsdale Elementary
Adrianna Quintana - Maynard Elementary
Miller Foutch - Sarah Moore Green Magnet Academy
Zackea Harris - Sarah Moore Green Magnet Academy
Stephanie Huss - Sarah Moore Green Magnet Academy
Megan Kidder - Sarah Moore Green Magnet Academy
Carlton Batista - Spring Hill Elementary
Jasmine Riggins - Spring Hill Elementary
Taylor Martin - Vine Middle Magnet
Mary Ellen Pautler - Vine Middle Magnet
Kaitlin Boling Johnson - Whittle Springs Middle
Kayla Carey - Whittle Springs Middle

Knox County Schools will host the 25th KCS Food Show on Thursday, Feb. 12.

The annual event allows food vendors from across the country to highlight new offerings, with district students voting on their favorites. Popular items are then considered for school cafeteria menus in the 2026-27 school year.

This year’s event – with the theme of “Try-Day Thursday” – is expected to include approximately 600 students from across Knox County, with approximately 300 food samples from more than 60 companies. 

A media availability will include an interview with representatives of the Food and Nutrition Services Department, along with B-roll and interviews with students.

KCS Food Show
Date: Thursday, Feb. 12
Time: 9:15 a.m.
Location: Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Highway

On February 12, Career Magnet Academy will honor students who have earned between three and 60 dual-enrollment college credit hours from Pellissippi State. 

The “Diploma Plus” wall signing celebrates and recognizes the hard work and commitment of students reaching major milestones toward their college success. 

Wall Signing
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Career Magnet Academy, 7171 Strawberry Plains Pike

Two or more board members may be present. 

Knox County Schools in partnership with The University of Tennessee is launching Teach Knox Teaching Fellows, a new initiative to recruit and train 30 special education teachers annually at no extra cost to participants. This program is the next investment in inclusive education, ensuring that students are served by highly trained professionals.

By removing financial barriers for teacher certification, the district is prioritizing the needs of its diverse student body. The program focuses on equipping Fellows with the specialized skills required to foster inclusive classrooms, where students of all abilities learn and receive the individualized support they need to succeed.

Program Highlights

• Cost: $0 up-front cost, and Fellows are eligible for tuition reimbursement

• Cohort Size: 30 Fellows selected per year to meet growing student needs

• Focus on Inclusion: Training emphasizes serving students in the least restrictive environments and advocating for equitable access to the general curriculum

• Priority Deadline: March 1, 2026
   

“Great educators are the backbone of a successful school district,” said KCS Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk. “This is an exciting step toward our commitment to continuing to invest in educators. Teach Knox Teaching Fellows will increase the number of highly skilled special education teachers who are prepared to serve students in inclusive classrooms.”

“Teach Knox Teaching Fellows is more than a preparation program,” said Dr. David Cihak, Associate Dean of the University of Tennessee’s College of Education, Health & Human Services. “It is an investment in educator excellence and a stronger workforce that directly benefits students, classrooms, and families. This partnership between Knox County Schools and the University of Tennessee reflects our shared commitment to ensuring each student is supported by highly prepared educators and intentionally prepared special education teachers to serve all communities across Knox County.”

“At Knox County Schools, inclusive educators are central to our vision of excellence,” said Dr. Brad Carr, KCS Executive Director of Special Education. “Our investment in special education ensures every student is welcomed and supported by a great educator.”

Of the program, KCS Assistant Superintendent of Business & Talent Jennifer Hemmelgarn said, “Through the intentional training and professional development of new Fellows each year, we are building a sustainable pipeline of educators dedicated to making inclusive education the standard for our students.”

Interested applicants dedicated to student success and inclusive practices should apply via the UT Plays Website by the March 1 priority deadline. Questions regarding the program should be directed to Crystal Pratt.

On the heels of having been named an “Advancing” district, Knox County Schools made improvements in state accountability results, with significant jumps in school letter grades released today by the Tennessee Department of Education. 

Of the 82 district schools that received grades, more than half (52%) earned an A or B–and fewer schools received low marks. The number of F-rated schools decreased from six to one, and D grades fell from 17 to 11. Meanwhile, two additional schools achieved an A grade, marking another year of upward momentum across the district.

School-specific grades are available on the TDOE website–a summary of KCS results is below:

• A – 20 schools 
• B – 22 schools 
• C – 28 schools 
• D – 11 schools
• F – 1 school
   

“These results highlight the incredible work happening in classrooms every day,” Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk said. “We know our schools can’t be summed up in a single score or letter grade, but it does show the impact of staying focused on the practices we know accelerate learning. Our educators are putting those strategies into action, and we’re seeing results.”

The state’s A-F letter grade system measures school performance each year based on four indicators:

• Overall success rate for achievement;
• Overall growth;
• Growth for the lowest performing 25% of students in the school; and
• A college and career readiness indicator for high schools.
   

TCAP data released in June showed that 44.1% of district students scored proficient on ELA assessments across all tested grades, up 4.9% percent compared to 2021-22, and for the fourth consecutive year, KCS made gains in every tested subject area—ELA, math, science, and social studies.

“We’ve been vocal about the fact that great educators are critical to student achievement,” said Dr. Keith Wilson, assistant superintendent of academics. “We’re going to keep investing in teachers and staff while also providing the tools and resources needed to continue encouraging student growth.”

Knox County Schools has been recognized as an “Advancing” district from the Tennessee Department of Education—one of the state’s highest designations—reflecting the district’s year-over-year focus on its four core priorities and the hard work taking place in the classroom.

Each year, the state assigns designations to districts based on the previous year’s performance in a series of indicators, including academic proficiency, growth in student learning, chronic absenteeism, college-and-career readiness, and support for English Language Learners.

Three years ago, KCS was identified as a District In Need of Improvement—a designation reserved for districts in the bottom 5 percent statewide. Over the past two years, the district has earned a Satisfactory rating.

“For the past two years, I’ve said I would not be satisfied with ‘Satisfactory,’” Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk said. “Reaching the Advancing designation is a tremendous milestone. This kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight. It is the result of a clear focus on strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and high expectations for every student.”

In addition to the district’s new designation, 18 schools earned the state’s top honor as Reward Schools, recognizing outstanding gains in student achievement and growth across all student groups.

That number matches last year’s total, reflecting both the district’s consistency and its commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence.

“These results demonstrate the collective effort of our principals, teachers, and staff who have stayed focused on strengthening instruction and improving student outcomes,” said Dr. Keith Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Academics. “Every student subgroup showed growth this year, graduation rates continue to rise, and college-and-career-readiness metrics are trending upward. That’s the kind of progress that moves an entire district forward.”

This year, 18 schools received designations that reflect a need for additional support—up from three last year, but down significantly from 2022, when 29 schools were identified. Of particular note, Lonsdale Elementary exited the Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) designation, reflecting major progress in student growth and achievement.

“Seeing Lonsdale Elementary come off the CSI list is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Rysewyk. “It shows that when we align our supports and stay focused on strong instruction, our students rise to the challenge. When we have the right leaders and team of teachers who believe in every child, schools can make remarkable progress. ”

Of the 18 schools:

• 6 schools were named Priority Schools, indicating a need for Comprehensive Support and Improvement; 

• 5 schools were named Focus Schools, with a need for Additional Targeted Support and Improvement; and

• 7 schools were named Focus Schools, with a need for Targeted Support and Improvement.
   

The 2024–25 school year marked an unprecedented milestone for our students and schools. For the fourth consecutive year, KCS made gains in every tested subject area—ELA, math, science, and social studies.

“The gains we see today—and the recognition our district has earned—are not the result of chance,” Rysewyk said. “I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together—and even more optimistic about what lies ahead.”

A complete list of Reward Schools is available below. 

• A.L. Lotts Elementary

• Amherst Elementary

• Blue Grass Elementary

• Brickey-McCloud Elementary

• Career Magnet Academy

• Christenberry Elementary

• Farragut Intermediate

• Farragut Middle

• Farragut High

• Gap Creek Elementary

• Gibbs Elementary

• Hardin Valley Elementary

• L&N STEM Academy

• Mt. Olive Elementary

• Northshore Elementary

• Pleasant Ridge Elementary

• Sequoyah Elementary

• Shannondale Elementary

Knox County Schools on Tuesday unveiled a new Wall of Honor at the Sarah Simpson Professional Development Center – a permanent installation recognizing the courage, leadership, and service of KCS veterans and active-duty personnel.

The unveiling took place as part of the district’s commitment to Honoring Service. Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk and district leaders gathered to celebrate employees who have served or continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“Like military service, education is a calling,” said Dr. Rysewyk. “Those who have answered both calls bring unique strengths to our district. This display will serve as a lasting reminder of their contributions to our schools and community.

This year, each veteran and active-duty employee received a commemorative t-shirt, while other staff members were invited to purchase a shirt as part of a fundraiser and to wear it on Veterans Day as a visible symbol of gratitude. Proceeds from the effort helped fund the Wall of Honor project and also supported Operation Hero’s Hill, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs’ initiative to end veteran homelessness.

On Monday, district leaders presented a check for nearly $8,000 to support the construction of 20 fully-equipped tiny homes for veterans.

Hero’s Hill represents a broad community partnership that includes local industry leaders, apprenticeship programs, and students from 865 Academy construction and electrical programs at Carter, Farragut, Fulton, Gibbs, Halls, Karns, South-Doyle, and West High Schools.

“Just last week, the state electrical inspector passed the rough-in inspection for our first two homes being built by KCS students,” said Jenny Holden, Executive Director of Grants and Community Development for Knox County Government, who oversees the Hero’s Hill initiative and spoke on behalf of Mayor Jacobs. “This work is made possible by mentors from the Associated General Contractors of Tennessee and the phenomenal instruction being provided by KCS Career and Technical Education instructors, who are all going above and beyond the call of duty for this project.”

“Hero’s Hill is a testament to what happens when vision meets vocation,” Dr. Rysewyk said. “Every nail and wall represents both a technical skill and lesson in leadership, empathy, and perseverance. The project reflects the core of our 865 Academies mission–preparing students for enrollment, employment, or enlistment.”

During the event, Dr. Rysewyk also introduced Dr. J.D. Faulconer, the district's first Director of Military Enlistment and a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves. Dr. Faulconer’s role supports students who are interested in pursuing military service after graduation.

The Wall of Honor will be updated annually and open to the public for viewing during the Knox County Museum of Education hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. KCS employees can view the wall any time they visit Sarah Simpson for professional development.

Visit Knox County Schools’ website for more information on the 865 Academies.

Visit https://www.knoxcounty.org/operationheroshill/ for more information on Hero’s Hill.

Knox County Schools today recognized top-selling students from the 2025 Coupon Book campaign, which raised nearly $1 million dollars to fund school needs identified by teachers and administrators. 

During a celebration at the Main Event, top sellers from schools across the district gathered for a ceremony, lunch, and arcade games. 

This year, the overall top sellers were siblings! Javion Morgan from Chilhowee Intermediate and Tavarius Morgan from Holston Middle both sold 250 books each to claim the top spots for both Elementary and Middle Schools. Both will be featured on the cover of the 2026-27 Coupon Books. 

Students who sold 100 or more books are as follows:

• Leo Aanerud
• Cove Courtney
• Emily Harbin
• Javion Morgan
• Tavarius Morgan
• Everett Sigmon
• Carly Stokes

   

Attendees enjoyed lunch with a family member; a certificate of achievement; passes for bowling, laser tag, or the ropes course; and a play card for the arcade. Students who sold 50 or more books received a special prize pack from the Ice Bears and students selling 100 or more books received special prize packages.

On Tuesday, November 11, Dr. Rysewyk and other KCS leaders will gather at Sarah Simpson Professional Development Center to unveil a permanent display honoring Knox County Schools employees who have served, or are currently serving, in the United States Armed Forces.

Details of the events are outlined below:

KCS Honoring Service Ceremony

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 11
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Sarah Simpson Professional Development Center, 801 Tipton Avenue

Two or more board members may be present.

On Friday, Nov. 7, Knox County Schools will recognize the top sellers from this year’s Coupon Book campaign during a celebration at the Main Event. Top sellers from every school, as well as the district’s overall top sellers, are expected to attend.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Andrew Brown will also be in attendance.

Details of the event are outlined below:

2025 Coupon Book Celebration

Date: Friday, Nov. 7
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Main Event, 9081 Kingston Pike

Two or more board members may be present. Permission from parent / guardian required to take pictures or videos of students.

Knox County Schools will host the College & Career Expo on Monday, September 29, at the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall for all 11th- and 12th-grade students. 

The event will showcase postsecondary opportunities and connect students with representatives from colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and the military.

Members of the College & Career Readiness team will be available for interviews.

Details of the event are outlined below:

KCS College & Career Fair

Date: Monday, Sept. 29
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: World’s Fair Exhibition Hall, 935 World’s Fair Park Drive

Two or more board members may be present. Permission from parent / guardian required to take pictures or videos of students.

Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2026 will take place between May 14 and May 21, 2026. Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk, members of the Board of Education, and other community leaders will be in attendance as seniors receive their diplomas and celebrate with their families.

Graduations will be streamed via knoxgrads.com, and archived videos will also be available on the KCSTV YouTube channel.

A full schedule is below and can be found on the KCS website. All events will take place on the school’s football field unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, May 14

1 p.m. - KAEC (gymnasium)

5:30 p.m. - Karns High

8 p.m. - Bearden High

Friday, May 15

1 p.m. - Ridgedale (gymnasium)

5:30 p.m. - Gibbs High

8 p.m. - Powell High

Saturday, May 16

9 a.m. - Austin-East Magnet High

12 p.m. - Knox County Virtual School (Bearden High auditorium)

4 p.m. - Paul Kelley Volunteer Academy (Bearden High football field)

6 p.m. - L&N STEM Academy (Bearden High football field)

8 p.m. - Career Magnet Academy (Bearden High football field)

Sunday, May 17

7 p.m. - Farragut High

Monday, May 18

7 p.m. - Hardin Valley Academy

Tuesday, May 19

5:30 p.m. - Carter High

8 p.m. - Central High

Wednesday, May 20

5:30 p.m. - Fulton High

8 p.m. - Halls High

Thursday, May 21

5:30 p.m. - South-Doyle High

8 p.m. - West High

Two or more board members may be in attendance.

On Tuesday, September 16, the Knox County Schools Special Education Department and Parent Enrichment Council will host a Family Resource Fair.

Special Education Family Resource Fair

Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Location: West High School, 3300 Sutherland Avenue

Two or more board members may be in attendance.