Data and Polling, Knoxville, Local Education, News Brandon Paykamian Data and Polling, Knoxville, Local Education, News Brandon Paykamian

Knox County Schools makes changes to early dismissal schedule

Following recent discussions between board members and with parents in the community about their preferences, the board decided to do away with two “early release days” and turn the remaining four into “half days,” which officials say have less instruction time than early release days

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College and Higher Edu..., Knoxville, News Brandon Paykamian College and Higher Edu..., Knoxville, News Brandon Paykamian

UT leads research project to 'create the perfect pitches' at 2026 FIFA World Cup

A delegation from FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) recently visited the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as part of the FIFA Pitch Research Field Day event to inspect the university’s field turf research and development facility, as well as to meet the teams from UT and Michigan State University (MSU) tasked with creating "the perfect natural grass pitches for the FIFA World Cup 2026,” a university news release said.

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College and Higher Edu..., Knoxville, News Brandon Paykamian College and Higher Edu..., Knoxville, News Brandon Paykamian

UT Haslam College ranks first and second for graduate and undergrad supply chain programming

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Haslam College of Business has once again received national recognition for its programming relating to supply chain management, ranking first in Gartner's 2024 Top 25 Supply Chain University rankings for graduate supply chain management programs and second in North America for undergraduate programs.

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New state assessment data shows economically disadvantaged students are finding more success at public charter schools

This week’s release of state-level Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) results is providing some good news for the 44,000 children who attend public charter schools in the state, especially those who are from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Knox County school board fails to pass policy change banning books depicting sexual imagery

A proposal to ban books depicting sexual imagery in Knox County Schools failed in a 4-2 vote. The board discussed compliance with a new state law set to take effect in July.

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Knoxville, Local Education Reana Gibson Knoxville, Local Education Reana Gibson

School resource officers to remain the only armed personnel in Knox County Schools

The Knox County Schools Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution affirming that school resource officers (SRO) and law enforcement officers will remain the only armed personnel allowed in school.This resolution came from board member Kristi Kristy, one of two school board members that proposed separate resolutions to oppose the new law that allows teachers to carry guns in school. Board member Katherine Bike made the other resolution, but withdrew it due to the board feeling that they ultimately say the same thing.

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School board members propose separate resolutions to oppose new law allowing teachers to carry guns

Two members of the Knox County Schools (KCS) Board of Education are proposing competing resolutions to push back on a recently passed law to allow armed teachers in classrooms.Board members Kristi Kristy, R-District 9, and and Katherine Bike, D-District 4, are each sponsoring resolutions to reject the legislation passed last week by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Bill Lee. Both resolutions come to the same conclusion, but Kristy and Bike focus on different reasons.

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Knoxville, Local Education Vanessa Helgeland Knoxville, Local Education Vanessa Helgeland

Knox Prep welcomes new students into a family atmosphere

Tawanya Figgs says she felt her 11-year-old son Ta’vion Wilson needed a change going into his sixth-grade school year.Figgs says the traditional public schools in Knox County aren’t preparing him for high school and she’s been looking into private school options. Her search for an alternative ended after meeting staff at the new Knoxville Preparatory School.

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Knoxville, Local Education Brandon Paykamian Knoxville, Local Education Brandon Paykamian

Knox County leaders approve historic salary investment for educators and staff

The Knox County School (KCS) Board approved a historic $39 million investment to raise the salaries of teachers and school staff across the district.The vote was a unanimous 8-0 with board member Jennifer Owens recusing herself from the vote, stating she plans to return to teaching after serving on the school board.“There are few things that are easier yeses for me than this,” said vice board chair Steve Triplett.

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Knoxville, Local Education Brandon Paykamian Knoxville, Local Education Brandon Paykamian

Knox County School leaders propose $39 million increase in district salaries

Knox County School (KCS) leaders are proposing a historic $39 million investment to increase the salaries of educators and school staff.The spending proposal follows a compensation study by Florida-based firm Evergreen Solutions that found that KCS employees make nearly 9 percent less than the market minimum. Evergreen Solutions recommended the district look at what it can afford and invest in salaries in an appropriate, effective, and efficient way across the district.

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