Superintendent: Knox County Schools reports staffing gains, top state growth rating and plans for new innovative programs

Superintendent Reisley told the Knox County Board of Education on Sept. 8 that the district opened the school year with dramatically lower staffing vacancies, districtwide student growth at the highest state level in years, and plans to expand innovative school models.

"Our best strategy for improving outcomes for students ... is hire as a high qualified educator in every classroom," Reisley said, describing staffing and retention work that district officials credit with stabilizing schools.

Reisley reported the district opened the year with seven certified vacancies out of roughly 4,700 teachers and said 83 of 91 schools were fully staffed on the first day. He described that improvement as a major factor in early-year stability across classrooms.

The superintendent also said Knox County earned a level 5, the highest possible rating, from the Tennessee Department of Education for student growth (TBOS) in every tested subject and in the district composite score — its first time reaching that milestone in more than a decade. Reisley said 79% of district schools earned TBOS composites at levels 3, 4 or 5, with nearly half at level 4 or 5.

Reisley highlighted Austin East Magnet High School as an example of notable improvement. "In 2022 and '23, AE earned a level 1 composite for their growth. Last year, they jumped to a level 3. And this year, they reached level 5," he said.

The board also heard that the district is moving to implement parts of its 2030 strategic plan, including an "Innovative Schools" initiative. Reisley said the district has launched a districtwide survey via ParentSquare seeking community input on program models (examples cited included technology limits, debate and outdoor learning, arts-integrated instruction and language immersion). He said the feedback will inform design and program decisions for new or converted schools, including a planned K–8 on the former Lehi High School site intended to serve Mechanicsville, Lonsdale and Beaumont.

Reisley noted the district will hold community meetings this fall to reengage families in those neighborhoods before making decisions about architecture and program design. He also mentioned the district’s annual coupon-book fundraising campaign running Sept. 4–24; proceeds support students, teachers and schools.

The superintendent framed the combination of improved staffing, strong growth scores and early rollout of the 2030 strategic plan as momentum that will guide further program development this school year.

The board did not take policy votes in response to the report; Reisley’s comments were presented as the superintendent’s report and for board information.