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KNOX COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR SESSION MAY 7, 2026 MINUTES
The Knox County Board of Education met in regular session at 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 7, 2026 in the Boardroom of the Summer Place Building at 500 W. Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee.  The meeting agenda and all supporting documents were posted on the Knox County Board of Education webpage. The meeting could be viewed in its entirety on the video posted on the Knox County Board of Education webpage.
Present: John Butler, District 1   Anne Templeton, District 2   Patricia Fontenot-Ridley, District 3   Katherine Bike, District 4   Lauren Morgan, District 5   Betsy Henderson, District 6   Steve Triplett, District 7   Travis Wright, District 8   Kristi Kristy, District 9   Albert Liu, Student Representative
Chair Kristy presiding

1					A Moment of Silence was observed followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Dr. Butler.
2					Announcements
					Ms. Kristy welcomed all attendees. Knox County Schools graduation ceremonies were scheduled for May 14-21. On behalf of the Board, Ms. Kristy congratulated the Class of 2026.
3					Changes to the Agenda
					No change to the agenda were requested.
4					Approval of the Agenda

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Anne Templeton

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
5					Special Recognition of Albert Liu, 2025-2026 Board of Education Student Representative
					The Board and Superintendent Rysewyk recognized Albert Liu for his service. Ms. Morgan shared that in addition to serving as the Board’s Student Representative, Mr. Liu was the President and Founder of Farragut High School’s Chapter of Youth in Government. He also served as President of Farragut’s National Honor Society; National Director of Development, Director of Fundraising, and Fundraising Specialist for Civics Leaders of America; Director of Treasury and Convention for Junior State of America; Youth Representative for the Farragut Municipal Planning Commission; Vice President of the Knoxville Teen Elementary Education Mentors; Treasurer of Tennessee High School Democrats Knox County Chapter; and Director of Outreach for the Farragut Astronomy Club. Mr. Liu had over 400 service hours with the National Honor Society; as a math tutor for Farragut High School’s Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta; as a board member of Farragut High School’s Senior Board; as a trombone tutor for the Joy of Music School; and as Campaign Secretary and Field Intern for the Gloria Johnson for U.S. Senate Campaign. His awards and honors included being a National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist; an AP Scholar with Distinction Award; an AP Capstone Diploma; Mu Alpha Theta member; a Comptia Tech+ Certification; and a Food Handler Serve Safe Certification. He also attended the Governor’s School for Technological Innovation and Business Leadership; the Governor’s School for International Studies; and the Governor’s School for the Arts. Ms. Morgan stated that Mr. Liu was selected as 1 of 2 students out of the Class of 2026 to serve on the Farragut High School Golden Anchor Committee; and that he was also a Tennessee Music Educators Association All-State Musician; an East Tennessee Band and Orchestra Association All-East Musician; First Trombonist for the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestra; a member of the Farragut Jazz Band; a participant in the Farragut Competitive Marching Band; a Top-6 seeded Varsity Tennis Player; the 2026 TSSAA Region 2 Boys Tennis Champion; and a 2026 TSSAA District 4AA Tennis Team Finals Champion. Mr. Liu was thanked for his hard work and dedication and Ms. Morgan stated that she was excited to see what his bright future held.
6				AI -9656	Approve Superintendent's Employment Contract

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
7				AI -9646	Approve Superintendent Evaluation Instrument - Recommended by Strategic Plan Committee
					Mr. Triplett stated that he would not be supporting the evaluation instrument since he would like for any Superintendent evaluation to be based more on data. Ms. Templeton asked Mr. Triplett what could be changed about the instrument to earn his support. Mr. Triplett stated that instead of being based on strategies, he would prefer that the objectives be scored on data and outcomes.

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Patricia Fontenot-Ridley

					Vote: 8 - 1 Passed
					NO: Steve Triplett
8					Approve Contract No. 26-268 related to School Safety - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
9					Consent Agenda
					Public Forum Leah Hill of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding her support of agenda item 9C15 related to installing turf on the Sequoyah Elementary School playground.

					On motion made by Betsy Henderson, seconded by Steve Triplett

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	A				Payment of Bills
	B			AI -9655	Approve Minutes of Meetings April 6, 2026 Work Session April 9, 2026 Regular Session
	C				Items/Contracts:
		1		AI -9663	Approve Agreement to Administer the School Nutrition Program(s), Local Agriculture Products Compliance Plan, and USDA Debarment Certification and SFA Agreement with the Tennessee Department of Education for School Year 2026-2027
		2		AI -9657	Approve Award of Bid 3717 to American Paper and Twine division of Imperial Dade for provision of Cafeteria Disposables for a one (1) year term, which may be extended for four (4) additional years
		3		AI -9658	Approve Contract with Metro Communications, LLC for provision of a Distributed Antenna System at a cost up to $15,000.00 annually for the term of June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2029, which may be extended for two (2) additional one (1) year terms
		4		AI -9660	Approve Form Agreement between Knox County Schools and Facilities that provide educational programming for youth who have been deemed neglected and/or delinquent by a court of competent jurisdiction for the 2026-2027 school year, which may be extended for four (4) additional years
		5		AI -9661	Approve Out-of-State Educator Preparation Partnership Agreement with Mississippi State University for up to three (3) years
		6		AI -9662	Approve Out-of-State Educator Preparation Partnership Agreement with iteach for up to three (3) years
		7		AI -9666	Approve Dual Credit Agreement with Tennessee School of Beauty for provision of dual credit opportunities for students of Knox County Schools for the 2025-2026 school year, which may be renewed annually through the 2029-2030 school year
		8		AI -9667	Approve Contract with VanDoren Music LLC for a usage license and composing and arranging music for the Bearden High School Marching Band for the 2026-2027 school year at no cost to Knox County Schools
		9		AI -9668	Approve Production Contract with Music Theatre International for Bearden High School's production of "Frozen" November 12-15, 2026 at no cost to Knox County Schools
		10		AI -9669	Approve use of Interlocal Purchasing Systems (TIPS) Contract with American Concrete Concepts, Inc. for provision of flooring services at Carter High School at a cost of $81,239.15 using Greenheck Fan Corporation Donated Funds
		11		AI -9670	Approve Request of Farragut Intermediate School to purchase and install an Adaptive Playground at a cost of $32,254.85 using Farragut Intermediate School PTO Donated Funds
		12		AI -9619	Approve Memorandum of Understanding with East Tennessee Community Design Center for Design Assistance and Programmatic Site Planning for an Outdoor Classroom at Hardin Valley Academy at a cost of $1,500.00 using Internal School Funds
		13		AI -9671	Approve Charter Bus Agreement with Rocky Top Tours, Inc. for Northshore Elementary School's field trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee September 29, 2026 at no cost to Knox County Schools
		14		AI -9672	Approve Production Contracts with Music Theatre International for Northshore Elementary School's productions of "Shrek the Musical Kids" and "Shrek the Musical Junior" during the 2026-2027 school year at no cost to Knox County Schools
		15		AI -9673	Approve Request of Sequoyah Elementary School to remove mulch and install turf on the school's playground at a cost of $109,932.00 using Sequoyah Elementary School PTO Donated Funds and Internal School Funds
10					Board Policies
	A			AI -9677	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-190 "Code of Behavior and Discipline" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review
					Ms. Henderson made a motion to approve version 2 of Policy J-190. The motion was seconded by Ms. Templeton. Ms. Templeton asked if Administrative Procedure J-190 would be approved along with the policy. Assistant Superintendent of Impact and Policy Kori Lautner noted that the procedure did not require Board approval, but confirmed it would become a permanent procedure and posted as soon as the policy was approved.

					On motion made by Betsy Henderson, seconded by Anne Templeton

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	B			AI -9676	Approve second reading to rescind Knox County Board of Education Policy J-191 "Misbehaviors and Disciplinary Options" - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	C			AI -9678	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-193 "Student Suspension" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	D			AI -9679	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-195 "Student Disciplinary Hearing Authority" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	E			AI -9680	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-196 "Admission of Suspended or Expelled Students" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Steve Triplett

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	F			AI -9681	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-211 "Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying or Cyber-Bullying" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Anne Templeton

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	G			AI -9682	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-212 "Student Conduct and Safe Relocation of Students" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	H			AI -9683	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-250 "Bus Conduct" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	I			AI -9684	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-280 "Alternative School Programs" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Steve Triplett

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	J			AI -9685	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-281 "Alternative School Services" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	K			AI -9686	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-320 "Independent Evaluation of Students" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Anne Templeton

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	L			AI -9687	Approve second reading of Knox County Board of Education Policy J-330 "Student Counseling Program" as amended - Discussed at Policy Review

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
11					Grants
	A			AI -9688	Approve Tennessee Department of Education Fiscal Year 2027 Turnaround Action Grant 6 in the amount of $1,328,728.00 for Austin-East Magnet High School, Northwest Middle School, Vine Middle Magnet School, Sarah Moore Greene Magnet Academy, Green Magnet Academy, and Maynard Elementary School - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Anne Templeton

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	B			AI -9689	Approve East Tennessee Foundation, Jablonski Family Memorial Fund Grant in the amount of $3,800.00 for support of families with unpaid meal debt - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by Katherine Bike, seconded by Anne Templeton

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	C			AI -9690	Approve Isotek Systems, LLC-Isotek STEM Committee Grant in the amount of $5,000.00 for Green Magnet Academy - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Patricia Fontenot-Ridley

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
12					Contracts
	A			AI -9691	Approve Contract with Anixter Inc. for provision of Networking Materials at an estimated annual cost of $1,000,000.00 for the term of October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, which may be extended for four (4) additional years (RFP #3715) -  Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by Steve Triplett, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	B			AI -9699	Approve Contract with Canon USA Inc. pursuant to the provision of the Cooperative Purchasing Agreement (State of Tennessee Contract #87016) for provision of a Print Management Software at a cost of $500,000.00 for the term of June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2029 - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Anne Templeton

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	C			AI -9700	Approve Increase to Contract with UES Professional Solutions 19, LLC for provision of Construction Testing Services (RFQ 3646) in the amount of $126,195.00 for construction testing and inspections for the new Farragut-area elementary school (Original Contract approved by Board on July 10, 2025) -  Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by Lauren Morgan, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
13					Regular Agenda Items
	A			AI -9693	Approve Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Line-Item Transfers for the period of January 1, 2026 through March 31, 2026 in the amount of $90,527.00 -  Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Steve Triplett

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	B			AI -9694	Approve Conceptual Design Package for work at Farragut Middle School at an estimated cost of $111,300.00, utilizing a combination of Innovative School Model Funds and Internal School funds - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by Lauren Morgan, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	C			AI -9695	Approve Waiver Application for English Language Arts (ELA) Curriculum in Grades 9-12 - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by Anne Templeton, seconded by John Butler

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	D			AI -9697	Approve Memorandum of Understanding with Knox County Education Association as recommended by the Collaborative Conferencing Management Team for a period of three (3) years - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by John Butler, seconded by Patricia Fontenot-Ridley

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
	E			AI -9696	Approve 2027-2028 School Year Calendar - Recommended by Superintendent

					On motion made by Katherine Bike, seconded by Betsy Henderson

					Vote: 9 - 0 Passed
14					Public Forum
					Candace Bannister of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding bullying. Brandy Jerrell, Senior Vice President of ValuTeachers of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding the Knox County Schools 403(b) Plan. Gavin Gambuzza of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding a student that disappeared while on a field trip in 1976. Margot Kern of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding policy on educational technology. Erin Pate of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding policy on educational technology. Amanda Rigell of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding policy on educational technology. Erica Zuhr of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding policy on educational technology. Lauren Fraser of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding policy on educational technology. Chris DeAngelo of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding policy on educational technology. Tiara Lady Wilson of Knox County, Tennessee addressed the Board regarding proper grievance procedures.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 pm.

Date Approved: June 4, 2026