Agenda - View Meetings (All)

Knox County Board of Education
Naming Facilities Committee Meeting
May 20, 2026

Minutes

The Knox County Board of Education Naming Facilities Committee met at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 in the Boardroom of the Summer Place Building at 500 West Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee. The meeting agenda and all supporting documents were posted on the Knox County Board of Education webpage.

Present:

Lauren Morgan, Committee Chair, Board Member, District 5

Katherine Bike, Board Member, District 4

Steve Triplett, Board Member, District 7

Call to Order

As one of the longest-serving Board Members, Mr. Triplett called the meeting to order.

Approval of the Agenda

Upon motion by Katherine Bike, seconded by Lauren Morgan

Vote: 3 - 0

Election of Committee Chair

Mr. Triplett opened the floor to nominations for Committee Chair.

Mr. Triplett nominated Ms. Morgan. Ms. Bike seconded the nomination.

Ms. Morgan indicated that she would accept the nomination.

Vote: 3-0 Passed

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Consideration of Nomination of Mike Ragsdale for Naming of L&N STEM Academy Library

Ms. Morgan welcomed L&N STEM Academy Principal Jimm Allen. Mr. Allen voiced his support of this nomination and reviewed information regarding former Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale and his contributions to the L&N STEM Academy since the school had opened.

Mr. Triplett made a motion to recommend the nomination of Mike Ragsdale for the naming of the L&N STEM Academy Library. Ms. Bike seconded the motion.

Vote: 3-0 Passed

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Consideration of Nomination of Charles "Chuck" Comer for Naming of West Valley Middle School Gymnasium Floor

Ms. Morgan shared that she had been coached by Coach Chuck Comer and voiced her support of his nomination. Knox County Deputy Law Director Gary Dupler stated that he had worked with Coach Comer on several occasions and confirmed that he had an outstanding reputation.

Mr. Triplett made a motion to recommend the nomination of Charles "Chuck" Comer for the naming of the West Valley Middle School Gymnasium Floor. Ms. Bike seconded the motion.

Vote: 3-0 Passed

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Consideration of nomination of Lieutenant Gordon "Officer G." Gwathney for naming of Austin-East Magnet High School Security Office

Ms. Morgan welcomed Austin-East Magnet High School Principal Dr. Rob Speas and Knoxville Police Department Communications Manager Scott Erland. Dr. Speas and Mr. Erland voiced their support of this nomination and reviewed information regarding the service of Officer Gwathney to both the school and community. Lieutenant Gwathney had tragically drowned while on a hunting trip on October 26, 2025, and Dr. Speas and Mr. Erland agreed that they could not think of a better way to honor his memory.

Mr. Triplett made a motion to recommend the nomination of Lieutenant Gordon "Officer G" Gwathney for the naming of the Austin-East Magnet High School Security Office. Ms. Bike seconded the motion.

Vote: 3-0 Passed

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Consideration of Nomination of David Moore for Naming of Farragut High School Softball Facility

Ms. Morgan noted that even though no one was present to speak to this nomination, the application spoke for itself. She noted that Farragut High School staff members would most likely be present at the Board of Education meetings in June if there were questions.

Mr. Triplett made a motion to recommend the nomination of David Moore for the naming of the Farragut High School Softball Facility. Ms. Bike seconded the motion.

Vote: 3-0 Passed

Other Business

Ms. Morgan noted that all recommended nominations would be submitted for Board of Education consideration at the Board's regular session meeting on June 4, 2026.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:11 pm.