Knox County school board approves AI guidelines, hears public comments on ‘outing’ LGBTQ students
The Knox County Board of Education approved new AI guidelines at Thursday's regular meeting. The board also heard comments from community members about a new state law instructing schools to "out" LGBTQ students to parents.
Knox County Schools says “cultural shift” in hiring reduced teacher vacancies to near-zero
Knox County Schools says the district has reduced teacher vacancies to near-zero levels through a “cultural shift” in the hiring process that simplifies the process for potential candidates.
UT President Randy Boyd says five myths are threatening the future of higher education
University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd told business and community leaders in Nashville that five myths are hindering the ability for institutions of higher learning to produce the workforce Tennessee needs.
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
UT study shows need for more civic education in Tennessee
A recent statewide survey from the University of Tennessee’s Institute of American Civics suggests there's a critical need to improve civics education in Tennessee.
Knoxville Preparatory School opens doors for first school year
The public charter school operator Prep Public Schools is looking to replicate the success of Chattanooga Preparatory School with another all-boys charter school that just opened its doors for its first school year last Thursday.
Knox County Schools outlines security strategies for upcoming school year
Knox County Schools officials highlighted new security measures and investments to enhance school safety this school year as part of the district’s ongoing “Safe Schools, Safe Students” initiative.
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.
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.
Knox County school board votes to revise book ban policies
The Knox County Board of Education voted Thursday to revise district policies regarding the removal of books containing sexual or age-inappropriate content from school libraries, as required by a new state law that went into effect July 1.
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.
UT-Knoxville announces newest class of Distinguished Tennessean Scholars
The University of Tennessee in Knoxville will soon welcome its newest class of Distinguished Tennessean Scholars this fall.
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.
Knox County school board discusses banning books with sexual content
Knox County Board of Education officials discussed banning books that depict sex at Monday’s school board work session.
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.
Knox County parents will know later this month if their children are at risk for retention under new reading requirements
Knox County parents will be notified if their children are at risk of retention under new state reading requirements, with options for retesting or summer intervention.
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.
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.
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.
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.