The Knox County school board is poised to make three major decisions before the start of the 2026-27 school year in its sole meeting for the month of August.
This is the final meeting before the first day of school Aug. 10. It'll also be the last meeting for three members: the Rev. John Butler, Betsy Henderson and Chair Kristi Kristy. District leaders said they wanted to wipe the slate clean of outstanding policy changes and issues ahead of the new board being sworn in next month.
Because of the Aug. 6 election − a Thursday rather than the normal Tuesday election day − the school board will only meet once during the month of August rather than twice.
Here's what to know about the decisions before the board.
A decision expected on book ban reviews
Knox County Schools might reevaluate all
123 books it has banned since 2024 if the school board approves a new internal policy.
District leaders presented a lengthy proposal July 22, detailing a more formal process for KCS students, parents and employees to submit books for consideration to be banned from school libraries under state law.
All requests would begin with the school principal through a new form, Assistant Superintendent Kori Lautner explained. Then, the principal would pass the request on to Erin Phillips, the executive director of teaching and learning. From there, Phillips will determine if the book were challenged on age-appropriateness or prohibited content.
Books would be reviewed for potential prohibited content by a newly created "district content committee." Lautner said this committee would consist of a board member, educators and parents/guardians representing each of the district's five regions and school levels.
The new committee also would review the district's 123 previously banned books. This clause was an effort to evaluate all library materials the same way. This part of the policy, if approved by the board, would sunset in summer 2027.
This new policy also would offer an opportunity for board members to weigh in. If the committee determines a book is inappropriate, board members would have 10 days to intervene via a vote.
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KCS to pilot more computer restrictions
KCS might also ban computer use as a reward and during indoor recess if the school board adopts a new internal policy, working in tandem with new restrictions on device use.
This new policy, if adopted, would severely limit the amount students in kindergarten through fifth grade could use computers and digital devices. It satisfies what parents have asked KCS to emphasize: teacher-led instruction.
"Student use of digital devices for noninstructional purposes − such as recess, incentives or rewards − is strictly prohibited, unless prescribed," the proposed policy reads.
And, in light of a new state law limiting device usage, KCS wants to go "above and beyond" by responding to growing parent concerns over student screen time. Here are other changes the district has already made in time for the first day of school:
- YouTube: Elementary students won't be able to access the site freely, while middle and high school students won't be able to access YouTube Shorts or see suggested videos.
- Games: Middle and high school students no longer will have access to sites categorized as "games." Elementary students already are blocked from accessing these.
- Artificial intelligence: KCS now requires all use of AI to be disclosed on the syllabus or to families before use.
- Social media: District leaders say social media sites will remain blocked for student use.
Board to decide on early retirement incentive
Board members will learn more and vote whether to offer an early retirement incentive to mitigate future budget shortfalls. The proposal arose after the district was hit with a sudden $8 million funding cut this year by the county and state.
This would give teachers a financial incentive if they choose to retire at the end of the academic year. That could help administrators "proactively create budget flexibility" if the school board approves the plan.
The offer would provide about $470 per month to qualifying KCS employees to cover insurance payments for a certain time after they retire. Employees would be eligible for the payment until age 65, or for a minimum of one year.
This is the first time KCS has offered the early retirement incentive since 2018, when the district was aiming to save millions of dollars to boost other employee salaries.
If approved, the offer will have eligibility requirements. The early retirement incentive would apply to certified employees: teachers, librarians and counselors. Employees would have to have served in KCS for at least five years (with the last five being consecutive). Here's who would be eligible:
- Those who have worked 30 certified years
- Those who have worked 15 certified years and are at least 55
- Those who have worked five years and are at least age 60
KCS to unveil 'vision' for special education
District leaders will unveil their vision for special education three years after the special education task force was piloted. Parents have been waiting for a new path forward for special education in KCS, with the district involved in federal lawsuits and undergoing independent reviews of culture and practices.
This presentation is the precursor to the full strategic plan's release, which is expected to launch early in the school year. No decision will made at the Aug. 3 on anything related to the presentation.
How to get involved
The school board will meet at 5 p.m. Aug. 3 at Summer Place, 500 W. Summit Hill Drive. To speak at the meeting, call 865-594-1623 or register with Vice Chair Travis Wright prior to the start of the meeting.
Caitlyn Meisner is the K-12 education reporter for Knox News. Email tips and story ideas to caitlyn.meisner@knoxnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County Schools to tackle major policy changes before first day
