Knox County Board approves package of policy changes, grants and contracts

Knox County Board of Education members voted May 7 to approve a broad package of policy updates, grants and contracts, moving a series of second‑reading items into effect and authorizing procurement and budget measures.

The board approved the superintendent’s employment contract and the superintendent evaluation instrument after brief discussion. A motion to approve the evaluation instrument drew a public comment from board member Mister Triplett, who said he would “probably vote no” not because of the superintendent’s performance but because he preferred an evaluation that relied more on data than strategy language; the motion nevertheless carried.

Under Item 10 the board approved the second reading of several J‑series policies, including J‑190 (code of behavior and discipline) as the latest, amended version; it also voted to rescind J‑191 (misbehaviors and disciplinary options) and approved revised language for J‑193 (student suspension), J‑195 (student disciplinary hearing authority), J‑196 (admission of suspended or expelled students), J‑211 (harassment and bullying), J‑212 (student contact and safe relocation), J‑250 (best conduct), J‑280 and J‑281 (alternative school programs/services), J‑320 (independent evaluation of students), and J‑330 (student counseling program). Board members confirmed the motion language intended the “latest version” of J‑190 discussed at the previous work session.

The board approved grant awards under Item 11, including a Tennessee Department of Education FY2027 Turnaround Action Grant in the amount of $1,328,728 for a group of schools that included Austin East Magnet High School, Northwest Middle School, Vine Middle Magnet School, Sarah Moore Green Magnet Academy, Green Magnet Academy and Maynard Elementary School. The board also approved a $3,800 award from the East Tennessee Foundation Jablonski Family Memorial Fund and a $5,000 Isotec Systems LLC STEM Committee grant for Green Magnet Academy.

On contracting matters the board authorized procurement actions under Item 12: approval of a networking contract with Anixter Incorporated; approval of a cooperative purchase with Canon USA for print‑management software at a stated cost of $500,000 for the term June 1, 2026–May 31, 2029; and an increase to a contract with UES Professional Solutions 19, LLC for construction testing and inspections for the new Farragut Area Elementary School in the amount of $126,195.

The board also approved FY2026 line‑item transfers totaling $90,527, a conceptual design package for Farragut Middle School estimated at $111,300 using a combination of innovative school model funds and internal school funds, an English‑language arts waiver application for grades 9–12, a three‑year memorandum of understanding with the Knox County Education Association, and the 2027–2028 school year calendar.

All votes on the items reported in the meeting transcript were taken by voice; the chair called for aye/nay votes and announced motions carried when appropriate. The board adjourned after the public forum.