Chief Jason Periard is moving on and Becky Wuethrich will serve as interim chief of security for Knox County Schools effective November 1, 2024. Chief Periard held the post since August 2021. He came to Knoxville after military service and 15 years in security leadership in Los Angeles.

Wuethrich has served as manager of discipline and investigations for KCS since 2011. Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk said her work experience and long-standing relationships with local law enforcement and school security officers will make for a “seamless transition as we prepare to launch a national search for the next leader of our security department.”

Wuethrich has nearly 40 years of experience within Knox County, beginning her career with the Metropolitan Planning Commission, Knox County Codes Administration and the Knox County Law Director’s Office. She has been bonded through the Knox County Sheriff’s Office for more than 20 years and has participated in trainings from the FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institute, the Department of Children Services and other school campus safety sessions.

And yes, she’s married to Bruce Wuethrich, director of Engineering & Public Works for Knox County during the Tommy Schumpert era.

Pleasant Ridge Elementary to reveal sensory room

Pleasant Ridge Elementary, 3013 Walnoaks Road, has a sensory room to provide a calming space for students or staff through a $35,000 grant from BlueCare TN.

Principal Jennifer Morrell says the 416-square-foot room is finally ready. Pleasant Ridge was the only local school to receive this grant, along with two other schools in Tennessee. The school used coupon book money to add some finishing touches.

Come for a Sensory Room Reveal today (10/24/24) at 5:30 p.m., closing for the kindergarten and first grade musical program, then reopening for 30 minutes after the program. The room will be closed by 7:30 p.m.

Benefits of a sensory room:

  • promoting cognitive development
  • improving interaction and social skills
  • enhancing communication
  • providing relaxation
  • improving motor development and focus
  • boosting intellectual activity & stimulating the senses
  • enhancing learning and playing & gaining emotional well-being
Karns Preschool Playground

Karns Preschool, 8109 Beaver Ridge Road, plans a media event at noon today (10/24/24) to celebrate completion of a new playground. Principal Jason Harris says, “We would love for you to join us in celebrating this milestone.”

Powell Elementary update

Dr. Jon Rysewyk came to Powell on Oct. 17 for lunch at Southern Kitchen Sandwich Co. Major Ward and his son, Cameron, were hopping as the place filled up and a line formed to the sidewalk.

Unfortunately, Rysewyk did not speak publicly or take questions. Instead, he met with diners at a couple of tables for quiet conversation. He told one group that Powell Elementary is not on the school system’s five-year capital improvement plan (CIP).

We obtained the 2024-25 budget and have begun to explore its 136 pages. Already have learned a lot. Over the next two weeks, we’ll look at projects on the CIP and try to make the case for improvements, expansion or a new school at Powell.

Carly Harrington, executive director of public affairs for Knox County Schools, provided information and quotes for this report.