Knox County Schools Superintendent Jon Rysewyk looks for areas to improve in
Knox County Schools Superintendent Jon Rysewyk looks for areas to improve in
The Tennessee Department of Education has moved Knox County Schools up in its designations by naming it an “Advancing” district, one of the highest designations for schools in the state, and marking the district’s growth as leaders focus on the district’s four priorities.
The state’s designations are based on yearly performance in academic proficiency, student learning, chronic absenteeism, career readiness and English Language Learner support.
KCS was in the “District In Need of Improvement” designation three years ago, placing it in the bottom 5% of districts in the state. Since then, KCS climbed to a “Satisfactory” rating and now joins 99 other districts in the “Advancing” category. Now, there’s one more top spot for which KCS can aim: “Exemplary.”
“For the past two years, I’ve said I would not be satisfied with ‘Satisfactory,’” Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk said in a news release. “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.”
Reward schools named while list of schools in need of improvement grows
Eighteen schools have been named Reward Schools across the district, matching last year’s total number. The schools are:
- 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
- Mount Olive Elementary
- Northshore Elementary
- Pleasant Ridge Elementary
- Sequoyah Elementary
- Shannondale Elementary
Eighteen other schools need additional support, higher than last year’s total but notably fewer than the 29 schools listed in 2022.
Seven Knox County schools were named “Focus Schools” that need “Targeted Support and Improvement.”
They are:
- Bearden Middle
- Carter Middle
- Dogwood Elementary
- Gibbs Middle
- Karns Elementary
- Karns Middle
- Rocky Hill Elementary
Five schools were named “Focus Schools” that need “Additional Targeted Support and Improvement.”
They are:
- South Doyle Middle
- Cedar Bluff Middle
- Gresham Middle
- Holston Middle
- Mooreland Heights Elementary
Six schools were named “Priority Schools” meaning they need “Comprehensive Support and Improvement.”
They are:
- Austin East Magnet High
- Green Magnet Math And Science Academy
- Maynard Elementary
- Northwest Middle
- Sarah Moore Green Magnet Technology Academy
- Vine Middle Magnet
One school – Lonsdale Elementary School – exited the “Comprehensive Support and Improvement” list by showing progress.
Overall, KCS marks the 2024-2025 school year as an “unprecedented milestone” for schools in the district and the students in the district making strides in testing areas including math and science, according to a news release.
“The gains we see today – and the recognition our district has earned – are not the result of chance,” Rysewyk said in the news release. “I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together – and even more optimistic about what lies ahead.”
Keenan Thomas is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real.
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