Breyauna Holloway: Expect some noise
Let’s talk a minute about Breyauna Holloway. She’s representing District 1 on the Board of Education – the district represented for many years by Sam Anderson and most recently by the Rev. Dr. John Butler.
Expect some noise from this new board member.
During the campaign, I tracked her down to lobby for the new K-8 school being built near Western Heights (the former Rule High School site). The school was strongly supported by Butler, whom Holloway had just beaten in the Democratic primary.
With my friendliest smile, I introduced myself and told her of my support for the school. When I hushed, Holloway said, “Now, do you live in the first district?”
“Uh, I live in Powell,” I said. She basically said she wants to talk with folks in her district about the new school. “There was a reason I won the primary.”
“Uh, got it,” and I went to eat a cookie.
Holloway and Butler ran in 2022. Holloway lost. She was expected to lose again, but as she posted on her campaign page after Tuesday’s swearing in ceremony, “I’ve been preparing for this moment for years. Personal growth, hardships and setbacks, volunteered and worked on failed campaigns (including my own four years ago), lessons learned and mistakes corrected. Dust brushed off my shoulders. Tears wiped away. Walking by faith when there was as much sight as Ray Charles had.
“God had His hand on me the entire time. His Word never comes back void. The last became the first. … The prayers of my grandmamas were answered.”
In a second post on Tuesday, she reported: “I made it back to Sarah Moore Greene Elementary School today to check on the HVAC situation. As I stated in my video Monday, KCS maintenance was on site when I was there so I knew the air conditioning was being fixed.
“However, I noticed the hallways and library were very warm and that’s what prompted me to make a return visit. I found out there is no air conditioning in the hallways (not the only school that doesn’t have AC in the hallways) and there is a work order in to get the air conditioning in the library repaired. Hopefully that will be completed in the next few days.
“Maintenance in our aging school buildings is definitely one of my immediate priorities. This isn’t pointing fingers at any specific person or particular department, but it is about being accountable and responsible. I’m just here to do my job in a way it’s never been done before.”
In an earlier post, she talked about being outspent during the campaign and said, when a door is shut, there’s always a window open in the back. “I crawled in through that window.”
Breyauna Holloway is correct. There is a reason she’s on the school board. Can’t wait to see her in action.
Food City presents check to Norwood ES
Food City officials are awarding $800,000 to area schools from their 2025-2026 School Bucks program. The amount received is based on points scored (purchases) by customers who linked their favorite school to their Food City ValuCard. Norwood Elementary School received $728.
Food City CEO Steven C. Smith said, “Food City is committed to supporting the education of our youth. Our School Bucks Program provides much-needed support to schools across our market area. Since the program’s inception, we’ve awarded more than $24.5 million to participating schools.” Next year’s program is underway. Info here.
Brittany Kiser, Food City assistant manager trainee; Irene Williams, Norwood 4th grade teacher; Reyna Moss, Norwood full time translator; Tiffany Smith, Food City store manager; Amber Hatfield, Food City head cashier; Beki Jones, school principal; and Noelle Stuteville, assistant principal. (Photo submitted)
South College adds three master’s level programs
South College is adding three master’s level degrees through its Competency-Based Education (CBE) modality, including accounting, human resources, and instructional design and technology. The CBE programs allow students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of course content and have become increasingly popular for working professionals. Info here.
In memoriam
Jim Caponetti
James Dante “Jim” Caponetti Ph.D. of Knoxville age 94, died on August 8, 2026, at age 94. In worked at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville for his 59-year career. He held a degree in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and earned his doctorate in biology from Harvard University. He taught botany at UT and also chaired the department’s graduate committee and curriculum committee. He also volunteered as a pharmacist at the Interfaith Health Clinic. He is survived by wife, Marilyn, and two children. Obituary is here.
Emily Gaude
Emily Gaude of Kingsport passed away on August 27, 2026, at age 81. Her children – Matthew, Katie and Nathan – were with her and made the announcement on Facebook here. A Knoxville native, Ms. Gaude was a beloved math teacher and mathematics department chair in Knox County Schools – primarily at Gresham Middle School. She earned numerous awards including TN teacher of the year. The children are planning a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, Tennessee, on Monday, September 14, at 11 a.m.
June Klinstiver
Barbara “June” Gray Klinstiver of Lenoir City, Tennessee, passed away on August 28, 2026, at age 86. She taught for 42 years at Eaton Elementary School. She also served a term on the school board. Even after retiring from teaching, she spent her days volunteering to help kids prepare for school testing. She is survived by her husband, Charles, and their two children. Obituary is here.
Marilyn Moore
Marilyn Simmons Moore of Knoxville passed away on August 26, 2026, at age 84. For more than 20 years, Marilyn taught special education in Knox County Schools, including work with the visually impaired. She is survived by her husband, Charles Moore, and three children. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 3, from 5-7 p.m. at Berry Highland Memorial. There will be a livestream of the celebration of life to follow. Obituary is here.
Notes & quotes
City of Knoxville seeks applicants to serve on the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC). Applications are due on Thursday, September 18, 2026, by 4:30 p.m. Learn more at city’s website or contact Debbie Sharp at dsharp@knoxvilletn.gov.
Jay Leno will be at the Tennessee Theatre on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets here.
Legacy Luncheon for the Parks is Friday, September 25, 2026, with speaker Conor Knighton, CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and author of a book about his visits to all U.S. national parks. The event is at Johnson University from 11:30-1 p.m. Ticket info here.
Quote: “I don’t want to go to school and learn solemn things.” ― J. M. Barrie, Peter Pan
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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes the Let’s Talk series for KnoxTNToday – Let’s Talk – Schools archive. Follow KnoxTNToday on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Get daily articles in one place with our free newsletter. Send comments to news@knoxtntoday.com/.
