Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk today announced the appointment of several key leaders for the district.

• Dr. Keith Wilson will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Academics, with oversight of Learning and Literacy, Academic Supports, College and Career Readiness and District Regions 1 through 4. Dr. Wilson currently serves as the KCS director of Career and Technical Education;
• Jason Myers will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Student Success and will oversee functions including English Language Learning, Health Services, School Culture, Special Education and Region 5. Myers currently serves as the district’s executive director of Student Supports;
• Dr. Garfield Adams will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Operations and will oversee functions including Security, Transportation, and Maintenance. Dr. Adams currently serves as executive principal of Oak Ridge High School;
• Dr. Liz Norton will serve as Assistant Superintendent of Strategy and will oversee Communications; Research, Evaluation and Assessment (REA); and ESSER programming. Dr. Norton currently serves as Senior Director of Academic Support for the Tennessee Department of Education’s Centers of Regional Excellence (CORE) offices.

The district is still receiving applications for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Business and Talent, which will oversee Human Resources and the Chief Financial Officer.

Additionally, Dr. Rysewyk made the following appointment:

• Adrian Rucker will serve as Senior Advisor of Innovation, and his duties will include executing special projects on behalf of the Superintendent; providing guidance and analysis on strategy issues; and making recommendations on operational documents and policies. Rucker previously served as director of human resources operations.

“As we work to implement student-centered policies, I believe these individuals are well-equipped to provide leadership for our educational mission,” said Dr. Rysewyk. “I am grateful for their willingness to serve, and I look forward to partnering with them as we pursue our district’s four key priorities.”

More information about additional administrative appointments can be found at knoxschools.org/superintendent.

“For more than 20 years, I have been fortunate to work alongside many outstanding educators and leaders as an employee of Knox County Schools,” said Dr. Wilson. “I am excited to serve our district in my new role as we pursue excellence in building students’ most important foundational skills and promote career empowerment and preparation through strategic programming and community partnerships.”

“As a district, we must ensure that every student has the opportunity to be successful,” said Myers. “We are committed to providing targeted supports and interventions to meet the needs of all students, including those who require specialized programming and services, and to promoting the health and well-being of students.”

“Providing a safe and secure learning environment is critical for student success,” said Dr. Adams. “I am excited about the opportunity to be part of an innovative team that is committed to the safety of our campuses and buses, maintaining the physical condition of our buildings, and providing healthy meals.”

“In order to create sustainable change for students, it is important to track progress and pursue continuous improvement,” said Dr. Norton. “I am excited to help design structures and processes to achieve those goals, and as a former KCS teacher I am grateful for a chance to rejoin the district in this role.”

“As we work on behalf of students and families, our district must always focus on best practices and innovative solutions,” said Rucker. “I appreciate Dr. Rysewyk’s commitment to effective management processes, and I look forward to this opportunity.”