On September 8, 2025, at 4:30 PM, the Knox County School Board underwent its annual reorganization to set leadership for the upcoming year. The meeting marked a shift in leadership roles and set the stage for the board’s activities moving forward.

New Leadership Elected

After two years of service, School Board Chair and Sixth District Board Member Betsy Henderson, alongside Vice Chair and Seventh District Member Steve Triplett, stepped down from their leadership roles. Notably, Henderson is a Republican primary candidate for Knox County Mayor in the May 5, 2026, election.

Board Chair Election

When nominations for Board Chair opened, Fifth District Board Member Lauren Morgan nominated former School Board Chair and Ninth District Member Kristi Kristy, with Eighth District Board Member Travis Wright seconding the nomination. The Democratic members put forward First District Member Dr. John Butler. In a closely contested vote, Kristi Kristy was elected as the new Board Chair with a 5-4 margin.

Vice Chair Election

For the Vice Chair position, Kristi Kristy nominated Eighth District Member Travis Wright, with Steve Triplett seconding the nomination. The Democratic members nominated Fourth District Member Kat Bike. Travis Wright secured the Vice Chair role, also with a 5-4 vote.

Brief Work Session Highlights

Following the reorganization, the board held a concise work session, lasting less than 15 minutes, to prepare for the upcoming board meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2025, when Kristy and Wright will officially assume their leadership roles.

During the session, Third District School Board Member Patricia Fontenot-Ridley, a Democrat, broke from partisan lines to commend Third District County Commissioner and Knox County Commission Chair Gina Oster. Fontenot-Ridley highlighted Oster’s efforts in securing a $100,000 donation of artificial turf for the playground at Cedar Bluff School. This moment of bipartisan recognition underscored the community-focused initiatives taking place in Knox County. Watch Fontenot-Ridley comment here. 

Looking Ahead

The newly elected leadership will guide the Knox County School Board through the 2025-2026 term, addressing key educational priorities and community needs. The upcoming September 11 meeting will provide further insight into the board’s agenda under Kristy and Wright’s leadership.

For more details, watch the reorganization meeting video.