Powell Elementary rezoning proposal concerns parents

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Knox County Schools is considering rezoning Powell Elementary School, prompting concerns from parents about potential impacts on their children’s education.

Kelly Davenport, a mother of two with one child currently at Powell Elementary and on the PTA, said she worries about the effects of moving students to different schools.

“You have a child in school and uprooting them from something they’re comfortable with and they’re familiar with, it can cause emotional trauma and academic issues,” Davenport said. “And so, as a parent, I obviously don’t want that. Not to say that that’s what would happen to my child, but who’s to say it’s not going to happen to somebody else’s kid, right?”

KCS said Powell Elementary is anticipating growth but has limited capacity. The school also faces challenging parking and traffic situations. Powell currently has around 800 students, and rezoning projects would reduce enrollment to 500 students next school year.

Davenport said the district should delay the rezoning plan.

“I think that need to postpone that and reevaluate things and see how it’s going to impact the greater community, not just with Powell, but with other schools as well that will be impacted with the rezoning,” she said.

Students who might be rezoned would attend Brickey-McCloud, Amherst or Karns elementary schools.

Heather Vestal, another parent whose children attended Powell Elementary, said the rezoning impact depends on where families live.

“I guess it just depends on if they actually live near those areas,” Vestal said. “I mean, if they don’t actually live near those areas, that would be out of the way to me.”

Davenport said she believes a new school is needed rather than rezoning.

“So regardless of the outcome, it is time for Powell to have a new school,” she said. “And I think that, like I said, the rezone is just, it’s a band-aid on a long-term problem.”

Knox County Schools said in a statement that they will gather community input before making a final recommendation to the school board.

Steve Triplett, who represents Powell on the school board, said an upcoming community meeting will be an important step in what’s next.

“I understand the concerns from families and community members regarding Powell Elementary and potential rezoning,” Triplett said. “I’ve been reviewing and responding to emails and calls to ensure voices are heard. No decisions have been made, and the upcoming community meeting is an important step in this transparent process. I appreciate the community’s engagement and look forward to continuing the conversation to support our students and families.”