Knox County Schools introduces incoming special education director as it moves to implement PCG review

Superintendent Dr. John Ryswick told the Knox County Board of Education on June 2, 2025 that the district is moving from analysis to implementation after a PCG review of special education services and that Dr. Karen Loy, who leads special education, will retire at the end of the month.

Dr. Ryswick said the consultant report from PCG identified “bright spots” and areas for improvement and that the district will now build an action plan to implement the report’s recommendations. He thanked Dr. Karen Loy for her work and asked the board to join him in recognizing her years of service.

The superintendent introduced Dr. Brad Carr, who addressed the board and said he is “the incoming executive director of special education” and described his background as a product of the district and experience as a special-education teacher, principal and administrator. Carr said he had begun reviewing the PCG report and meeting with PCG personnel and district staff and expected to transition into the role during June and begin duties in July.

District leaders told the board the special education task force and the PCG review date back roughly three years, and that the forthcoming implementation plan will emphasize getting decision-making closer to the classroom and principals. No formal board action was taken at the meeting; the item was an introductory announcement and a commitment to build the implementation plan for board review.

The board applauded Dr. Loy’s service and welcomed Dr. Carr. Staff said they will continue working with PCG and district leaders to convert the report into a multi-year implementation schedule and ongoing reporting to the board.