Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Knox County Schools Superintendent Jon Rysewyk is speaking publicly for the first time about the possibility of closing schools as the district grapples with an estimated $8 million budget shortfall.
The district is evaluating multiple cost-saving measures, including the potential closure of four elementary schools, changes to school start times and transportation adjustments. Rysewyk emphasized that school closures are not the district’s preferred option but said leaders must consider every available strategy to balance the budget.
“So let me say that that’s not what anyone wants to do,” Rysewyk said. “But at the same time, it’s our job to balance the budget and be able to make sure we can continue these gains for our students.”
Budget Pressures Mounting
According to district officials, the financial challenges stem from multiple factors, including:
- A decline in student enrollment
- Reduced revenue for the district
- Rising operating costs
- Increased debt obligations
- Nearly $4 million in reduced county funding
- Nearly $4 million less in state funding
The combined reductions have left district leaders searching for ways to close the budget gap while preserving academic programs and services.
“We understand our schools, our 91 schools are the most important functional piece of how our kids are successful,” Rysewyk said. “So we continue to cut when we don’t have the dollars to get there and the cost of things continue to go up.”
Four Schools Reportedly Under Consideration
Rysewyk said the district has not officially announced which schools could be closed.
However, during a previous school board discussion, one board member identified four elementary schools reportedly being evaluated:
- Gap Creek Elementary School
- Maynard Elementary School
- Corryton Elementary School
- South Knoxville Elementary School
District officials have stressed that no final decisions have been made and that any potential closures remain under review.
Community Concern Growing
The possibility of closing South Knoxville Elementary has sparked concern among families and community members.
Ashley Garner, a supporter of the school, said she was shocked when she first heard the proposal.
“The first thing I thought was I literally couldn’t believe it,” Garner said.
Garner said she later spoke directly with Rysewyk about the issue and emphasized the school’s importance to the surrounding community.
“SKE is such a beloved institution, not only in the Sevier Avenue community where it sits, but in the South Knox community at large,” she said.
Other Cost-Cutting Measures Being Considered
School closures are not the only option being explored.
District officials are also considering changing school start times to reduce transportation costs. Under some proposals, certain schools could begin classes as early as 7:30 a.m. while others could start as late as 9:30 a.m.
Officials say changes to start times could allow the district to operate fewer bus routes and generate significant savings.
Decision Months Away
Rysewyk said the district has not reached any conclusions regarding school closures and that a final decision is likely still months away.
“For us, it really just comes down to picking between two tough choices of what we think will have the greatest impact on students,” he said.
School board members are expected to continue evaluating options in the coming months as they work to address the budget deficit while minimizing impacts on students, families and staff.
