Responsibilities of Knox County School Board include: Proposes and adopts policies on day to day operations of Knox County schoolsDetermines grade and graduation requirements and curriculumSets guidelines for County wide testingEstablishes student dress codeDetermines how resources are distributed to the schools such as school counselors and nursesProposes budget to Knox County CommissionEstablishes discipline proceduresUse of resource officers and police in schoolsThe Board shall have all such duties, powers and authority necessary or reasonably implied to manage and control the County School System as provided by Constitution, general law, this Charter or ordinance.There shall be established within the county nine districts for the purpose of board of education representation. The number of seats on the board of education elected from each of the nine districts shall be governed by the Knox County Charter. The nine districts hereby created are delimited as follows and more specifically shown in Exhibit A which is attached to Ord. No. O-11-10-102:From: https://library.municode.com/tn/knox_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH2AD_ARTXIIIKNCOBOED
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Templeton For Schools
I am running for the Knox County School Board with a proven commitment to public education. As the former PTA president at Beaumont Magnet School, I advocated for sustained magnet funding and later supported families and teachers through the pandemic. With two school-aged children, I understand firsthand the importance of a safe, equitable education that fosters critical thinking and social awareness.
By nature, I am a listener and, by trade, a community advocate. I believe it is our duty to be actively involved in bettering our society. Acknowledging the pivotal role of public schools in community success, my goal is to be a connecting voice between the engaged community, teachers, and administrations.
Teacher attrition is the most critical challenge facing our school system. The caliber of our education system is directly proportional to the quality of educators in the classroom. To address this issue, we must provide comprehensive support spanning crucial policy reforms to fair compensation. We must invest our time in frequent conversations with teachers, understanding their challenges and addressing pain points directly.
Additionally, listening to our students is paramount. Recognizing their motivators and investing in resources to help teachers effectively reach and engage them is a necessity. The success of our education system hinges on connecting and understanding diverse student needs.
I am unequivocally in favor of public schools. The redirection of public funds to private institutions inherently weakens the foundation of public education, detrimentally impacting the educational opportunities for the majority of students in our county. This shift poses a severe threat to the well-being of marginalized communities within the school system. Compounding this issue is the absence of oversight on schools receiving vouchers, as there are no requirements for testing, teacher qualifications, or adherence to curriculum guidelines. This lack of accountability puts the education of our students at risk, and I firmly oppose such policies that compromise the integrity of our public education system.
Creating an inclusive educational environment for diverse students involves implementing strategies such as differentiated instruction, culturally responsive teaching, and the use of assistive technologies. Ongoing professional development for teachers is crucial to adapt to evolving student needs. We must support teachers with built in time to prepare lessons, meet with students and engage families. Providing mental health support, further contributes to an inclusive approach. By embracing diversity comprehensively, schools can foster an environment where all learners have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
The most effective way to evaluate school achievement is through a holistic and multifaceted approach that considers various dimensions of student, teacher, and school performance.
For example:
Academic achievement metrics including standardized tests & GPA, Assessment of critical thinking and problem-solving skills,
Graduation rates,
Parent and community engagement,
Student well-being and attendance, and
Encourage innovative teaching practices.
Combining these diverse measures recognizes that success goes beyond academic metrics and encompasses the development of well-rounded, engaged, and socially responsible individuals.
The role of librarians in making decisions about which books are appropriate at different ages is a complex and nuanced one. These professionals are educated in selecting books suitable for different age groups, drawing on their expertise, community engagement, and commitment to intellectual freedom. They carefully balance diverse perspectives, cultural sensitivities, and educational goals to create inclusive collections. They follow accepted guidelines to come to these conclusions. Librarians ensure the library remains a valuable resource for readers of all ages and needs.
