Knox County school board approves Powell Elementary rezoning proposal
The plan will addresses overcrowding by rezoning students from Powell Elementary to other schools in the district
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Knox County Board of Education voted to approve the Powell Elementary rezoning proposal on Thursday.
The proposal passed by a vote of 5-2 with two abstaining. Katherine Bike, Patricia Fontenot-Ridley, Kristi Kristy, Lauren Morgan and Travis Wright voted in favor of the proposal. Steve Triplett and Betsy Henderson voted against it and Rev. Dr. John Butler and Anne Templeton abstained.
According to KCS, the plan will addresses overcrowding by rezoning 300 students from Powell Elementary to other schools in the district, including Brickey McCloud Elementary School, Karns Elementary School or Amherst Elementary School.
KCS said the transition would take place starting Fall 2027, but parents can choose to transfer next school year.
There will also be a ‘grandfather option,’ meaning students can stay at Powell Elementary until they graduate the 5th or 8th grade, as long as parents provide their own transportation.
The proposal has drawn some criticism from parents, who have said this plan could impact their children’s education. Others said the community wasn’t given enough chances to provide feedback.
Previous Coverage: Powell Elementary rezoning proposal concerns parents
You can read the full proposal here.
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