What This Story Is About
- Knox County Schools Superintendent Jon Rysewyk addressed the public for the first time about possibly closing schools to help close an estimated $8 million budget deficit.
Why It Matters
- The district is facing revenue reductions from both the county and the state totaling about $8 million, combined with falling enrollment, rising operating costs and increased debt.
- District leaders will weigh closing four elementary schools—reportedly Gap Creek, Maynard, Corryton, and South Knoxville—or shifting start times to cut bus routes, with a final decision months away.
For Context
- Rysewyk stressed that closing schools is not what anyone wants to do, but balancing the budget is necessary to preserve student gains and protect the district’s 91 schools.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Knox County Schools Superintendent Jon Rysewyk spoke publicly for the first time about the possibility of closing schools as the district faces a budget gap of about $8 million.
The district is considering closing four schools. Rysewyk said the district has to look at all options with less money.
The county is taking $4 million from the district’s budget. The state took close to $4 million as well…