The Education Blueprint with Dr. Jon Rysewyk

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Framing Excellence in Public Education

  1. Apr 9

    Mailbag

    In this special mailbag episode of The Education Blueprint, Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk and co-host Prentice Elliott wrap up Season 2 by answering listener questions and reflecting on the major themes that shaped this year’s conversations. Together, they pull back the curtain on how decisions are made in a large public school district—from how curriculum is selected and funded to how Knox County Schools works to improve outcomes for more than 60,000 students. Along the way, they discuss the importance of strong teachers, data-driven decision making, and maintaining focus on foundational skills while continuing to innovate. From explaining complex processes in plain language to celebrating the progress happening across the district, this episode offers an inside look at how public education works—and why continuous improvement remains the mission. 0:00 Welcome + Season 2 Reflections1:15 Major Themes From This Season’s Guests3:40 Mailbag Begins: How Curriculum Decisions Are Made9:55 From Thousands of Options to Local Decisions: The Adoption Process10:30 The Cost of Curriculum and Why It Matters11:45 Moving the Needle for 60,000 Students13:00 Region 5 and Supporting Schools With Greater Needs14:00 865 Academies and Creating Pathways for Every Student15:00 Using Data to Drive School Improvement16:45 Why Teachers Matter Most in Student Success18:45 Celebrating District Academic Growth20:00 Reading and Math Gains Across Four Years21:30 What Still Needs to Improve22:00 Staying Focused on Fundamentals vs. Chasing Trends23:00 Looking Ahead to Season 324:00 Closing Thanks + Subscribe/Review + Production Credits Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. Beginning his career as a science teacher, he has served in multiple leadership roles focused on improving academic outcomes and expanding opportunities for students. As superintendent, he is leading the district’s efforts to strengthen foundational skills, expand student pathways, and execute the Knox County Schools 2030 Strategic Plan. Prentice Elliott is a Knox County Schools parent of 5 and serves as producer and co-host of The Education Blueprint. Through the podcast, he helps bring a family perspective to conversations about public education while helping listeners better understand the decisions and strategies shaping local schools. Key Takeaways Curriculum decisions involve multiple levels of review, including state experts, local educators, and public input.Improving outcomes at scale requires high expectations, strong educators, and continuous monitoring of student data.Foundational skills like reading and math remain the most important predictors of long-term student success.Strong school systems stay focused on what works instead of chasing every new trend.Behind every improvement in student outcomes are teachers making thousands of daily decisions that impact learning.Links & Resources: Questions or show ideas? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Learn more about Knox County Schools at ⁠⁠⁠⁠KnoxSchools.org⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

  2. Feb 5

    Innovative Schools: Asking "What If?"

    In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Superintendent Jon Rysewyk sits down with Rajeev Bajaj, Executive VP of Education Solutions Group Executive at MGT and Kitamba CEO, to talk about innovation and choice in public education. Together, they explore how school systems can reimagine learning—expanding opportunities for students while maintaining the strong foundation of traditional schools. Their conversation highlights Knox County Schools’ Innovative Schools Initiative, a key part of the district’s 2030 Strategic Plan, aimed at giving families more options and students more ways to succeed. From national trends to local action, this episode offers a candid, forward-looking discussion about how public schools can embrace innovation responsibly and make every zip code a place of possibility. 0:00 Welcome + Why This Innovation Conversation Matters right now0:50 Meet Rajiv Bajaj + His Work in Innovative School Design2:20 Rajiv’s Journey: From Microsoft to the Classroom to System-Level Change8:55 “School Hasn’t Changed Much”—Why the Carnegie Unit Still Shapes Learning11:45 The Opportunity: Start With the Learner, Then Build the System Around Them13:40 “Two Things Can Be True”: What Traditional School Gets Right (and what needs to evolve)18:05 What Innovation Looks Like in Knox County: Pathways, Choice, and Serving every student20:20 Defining Innovation: A Learner-Centered Approach (not a buzzword)27:05 Mastery vs. Seat Time: Why the Shift Matters—and how tech/AI may make it possible35:35 Choice Without Politics: Personalization, Engagement, and Better Pathways41:05 Innovation as R&D: Pilots, learning fast, and building coherence (not chasing trends)46:10 The Parent View: What success looks like when schools get this right48:20 Closing Thanks + Subscribe/Review + Production Credits Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He began his career as a science teacher and has served in a range of leadership roles focused on academic improvement and innovation. As superintendent, he is guiding the district’s work to prepare every student for life after graduation through strong core instruction, meaningful pathways, and a long-term strategic vision. Rajiv Bajaj is a national leader in innovative school design and serves as Executive Vice President of Education Solutions at MGT, supporting state and district leaders with strategy and implementation across education, technology, and finance. He began his career as an elementary school teacher in Harlem, later served in senior roles at the New York City Department of Education (including accountability leadership), and has worked across education, curriculum, and technology—including roles at Microsoft—bringing a systems-level focus to designing student-centered learning at scale. Innovation isn’t a buzzword—it’s continuous improvement grounded in what students need. Seat time is convenient for adults; mastery-based learning is often better for students. Foundational skills (literacy and math) aren’t going away—they matter even more in an AI world. Personalization and “choice” can be non-political: it’s about pathways, engagement, and fit. The best systems act like learning organizations: pilot, evaluate, keep what works, stop what doesn’t—always centered on students. Links & Resources: Questions or show ideas? Email ⁠⁠⁠TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org⁠⁠⁠.  Learn more about Knox County Schools at ⁠⁠⁠KnoxSchools.org⁠⁠⁠. Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

  3. Jan 8

    Strategic Planning: Why Goal Setting Matters

    In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk is joined by David Mansouri, President and CEO of SCORE, for a deep conversation about goal setting, accountability, and preparing students for life after graduation. Together, they explore why clear, measurable goals matter in education, how Tennessee’s TN 2030 initiative is reshaping statewide expectations, and what it really means to move progress forward—one student at a time. David shares his journey into education policy, SCORE’s role as a nonpartisan research and advocacy organization, and how data-driven goal setting can translate into real outcomes for students. The conversation also connects statewide goals to Knox County Schools’ 2030 Strategic Plan, highlighting how long-term vision paired with nimble, annual action plans allows districts to adapt, respond to research, and accelerate student success. From early literacy and middle school math to postsecondary readiness and workforce alignment, this episode offers a clear look at how intentional planning—when done well—can change trajectories for students and communities alike. Whether you’re an educator, parent, policymaker, or community leader, this episode provides a practical and hopeful framework for understanding how education systems can stay focused, flexible, and centered on student success. 2:00 Why Goal Setting Matters in Education6:00 David Mansouri’s Path into Education Policy9:00 What SCORE Is and Why It Was Created13:00 Introducing TN 2030: Tennessee’s Education Goals15:00 Why 3rd Grade Literacy and 7th Grade Math Matter18:00 “One More Student” — A Practical Model for Growth24:00 What the TN 2030 Goals Mean for Knox County31:00 Connecting Statewide Goals to KCS’s 2030 Strategic Plan38:00 Evidence-Based Instruction and Closing Learning Gaps45:00 Community Engagement, Accountability, and Transparency51:00 Final Takeaways: Vision, Nimbleness, and Student Success Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He  also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022. David Mansouri is President and CEO of SCORE, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes across Tennessee. He previously worked in public policy and political leadership and has spent over a decade helping shape education reform through research, collaboration, and advocacy. Key Takeaways Clear goals create alignment, motivation, and accountability Small, consistent gains can lead to transformational outcomes Long-term vision must be paired with flexible, annual action Education systems work best when communities are actively engaged Links & Resources: Questions or show ideas? Email ⁠⁠TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org⁠⁠.  Learn more about Knox County Schools at ⁠⁠KnoxSchools.org⁠⁠. Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠X⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

  4. 12/04/2025

    All In - Learning in the Age of A.I.

    In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk sits down with Dr. Vasileios Maroulas, Director of the AI Tennessee Initiative at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Their conversation explores how artificial intelligence is transforming K–12 education — from streamlining operations and personalizing instruction to expanding opportunities and connecting students to future career pathways. They also discuss Tennessee’s vision to become a national leader in AI, how cross-sector partnerships drive innovation, and how educators, students, and communities can embrace AI safely and responsibly. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or student, this episode offers a clear and practical look at how AI is shaping the future of learning and preparing students for success in an increasingly digital world. 2:00 Dr. Maroulas’ Journey (Greece → UNC → Minnesota → UTK)7:00 Why AI Matters for Tennesseans8:00 Defining AI & Its Historical Roots12:00 AI Tennessee’s Five Pillars14:00 Real-World AI Applications (Ag, Healthcare, Education)18:00 Workforce Transformation & the 90/9/1 Rule25:00 Preparing Students for an AI World35:00 Knox County Schools & Closing Reflections Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He  also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022. Dr. Vasileios Maroulas is a Professor, Associate Vice Chancellor, and Director of AI Tennessee Initiative (link) Dr. Maroulas is a Professor of Mathematics with joint appointments at the Business Analytics and Statistics at the Haslam College of Business, and the Data Science and Engineering at Bredesen Center. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the US Army Research Lab and earned Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Key Takeaways: AI is a tool, not a replacement for humans Education must shift from “one-size-fits-all” to personalized learning Links & Resources: Questions or show ideas? Email ⁠TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org⁠.  Learn more about Knox County Schools at ⁠KnoxSchools.org⁠. Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms: ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠X⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

  5. 11/05/2025

    The Science of You: How Aptitude Tests Are Unlocking Student Potential

    In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk talks with Betsy Wills, co-founder of YouScience—a career and education assessment that helps students and adults discover their natural talents, interests, and potential career matches. Their conversation explores the power of aptitude testing and how understanding students’ strengths can guide education choices, career exploration, and long-term success. 00:00 Introduction to Aptitude Testing04:55 The History and Evolution of Aptitude Assessments10:06 Understanding Aptitudes vs. Interests15:00 The Importance of Early Exposure to Career Paths19:57 The Role of Aptitude Testing in Education24:58 Personal Experiences with Aptitude Testing30:09 The Broader Implications of Aptitude Awareness30:09 Implementing Youth Science in Education32:05 Transforming High School Experiences34:52 Connecting Aptitude with Career Choices37:40 The Importance of Early Aptitude Assessment39:12 Bringing Passion to Work41:10 The Role of Hobbies in Life Satisfaction43:16 Identifying and Cultivating Aptitudes46:35 Key Takeaways and Future Directions Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He  also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022. Betsy Wills, co-founder of YouScience brings more than 20 years of experience in development and marketing across financial services, universities, health care, and education technology. She’s a graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s in English and Fine Arts, and she earned a Master’s in Education from Peabody College, focusing on Human Resources Development. Betsy is also a regular guest lecturer at Vanderbilt and NYU’s Stern School of Business, and she’s been a featured speaker at TEDx Women. She co-wrote the book Your Hidden Genius, which helps readers uncover their natural talents, interests, and personality traits to find career success and personal fulfillment.  Key Takeaways: The importance of aptitudes How aptitudes can shape your career path Links & Resources: Questions or show ideas? Email TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org.  Learn more about Knox County Schools at KnoxSchools.org. Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube

  6. 09/04/2025

    Safe, Secure, and an Abundance of Caution with KCS Chief of School Safety Carlo Granillo

    In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk sits down with Chief of School Safety Carlo Granillo to talk about what it takes to keep students and staff safe every day. Chief Granillo shares how the district prepares for emergencies, trains staff, and works with law enforcement partners to ensure schools are secure and welcoming places to learn. They also discuss what “an abundance of caution” looks like in practice and why safety is a shared responsibility across the community. 00:00 Introduction to School Safety in Education02:49 Meet the Chief: Carlo Granillo's Background05:48 The Importance of School Safety08:49 Rebranding Security to Safety11:39 Training and Presence of School Safety Officers14:43 Infrastructure and Safety Measures17:58 Community Involvement in School Safety20:45 The Role of Communication in Safety23:41 Future of School Safety26:36 Crisis Response and Preparedness29:34 Building Trust and Confidence in Safety32:36 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He  also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022. Chief Carlo Granillo brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to his role as Knox County Schools Chief of School Safety, a position he began in March 2025. Before joining the district, he served as Chief of Police for the Fontana School Police Department in California, a district about half the size of Knox County Schools. He also spent over 20 years with the Fontana Police Department, where he served as a police officer, K9 officer, detective, and sergeant overseeing units in bike patrol, narcotics, canine, internal affairs, and hostage negotiation, before advancing to lieutenant. Earlier in his career, he worked for the City of Colton Police Department for eight years. Chief Granillo earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University. Key Takeaways: The foundation of school security at KCS includes: Having a highly-trained, armed officer in every school;  Individualizing safety plans to meet the unique needs of each environment; and A commitment to take every threat seriously and encourage every member of our community to say something if they see something. Safety is not just about security measures—it’s about creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students can thrive. Links & Resources: Questions or show ideas? Email TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org.  Learn more about Knox County Schools at KnoxSchools.org. Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube

  7. 05/14/2025

    Class Dismissed: Season 1 Reflections and Responses

    In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk sits down with public school parent and podcast co-host Prentice Elliott to wrap up Season 1 with a reflection on the journey so far and to answer a few listener-submitted questions. They’ll look back on the season’s highlights, share what they’ve learned, and provide insights into what’s in store for Season 2. Whether you’re a long-time listener or just tuning in, this episode is packed with reflections, answers, and a sneak peek at what’s ahead. Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He  also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022. Prentice Elliott joined the Knox County Schools communications team in 2015. Before joining the school district, he spent 13 years in local news, primarily covering sports in Augusta, Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee. He has a Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of South Carolina. Links & Resources: Questions or show ideas? Email TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org.  Learn more about Knox County Schools at KnoxSchools.org. Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube

  8. 04/30/2025

    Service After School: Exploring Military Pathways with Four Star General and Hamblen County Superintendent Arnie Bunch

    Choosing to serve is a big decision—and with the right guidance, it can open doors to education, purpose, and a host of long-term opportunities.  In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk sits down with General Arnie Bunch, a Four-Star General and current Hamblen County Director of Schools, to talk about what it really means to enlist. With 38 years in the U.S. Air Force, General Bunch shares firsthand insight into military careers, the values that shape service members, and the many ways students can prepare for a future in uniform. They’ll discuss how schools can support students interested in military pathways—from early exposure to career-connected learning to building the character, confidence, and skills required for service If you're a student considering enlistment—or a family member or educator wanting to support that path—this episode is full of insight, clarity, and encouragement. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Military Enlistment Discussion 10:30 Understanding Enlistment and Its Misconceptions 20:14 The Benefits of Military Service for Young Adults 23:38 Exploring Military Service as an Educational Pathway 24:07 Core Values and Their Relevance in Education 25:05 Benefits of Military Service for Students 26:15 Character Development Through Military Experience 27:40 The Impact of Military Exposure on Youth 29:06 JROTC: A Gateway to Opportunities 30:25 Transformative Experiences in JROTC 32:01 Leadership Skills from JROTC 33:26 Attracting Veterans to Education 35:19 Shifting Perspectives on Post-Graduation Success 36:03 Understanding Military Options for Students 39:26 Navigating the Military Enlistment Process 43:51 Celebrating Service: Honoring Student Achievements 44:34 Advice for Students Considering Military Service Takeaways The military can be a viable option for all students. Enlistment provides educational benefits and career opportunities. Many misconceptions exist about military service. Education is crucial for success in any career path. Exposure to military options broadens students' perspectives. Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He  also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022. Gen. Arnold W. “Arnie” Bunch, Jr. ,brings a wealth of leadership experience to his role as Superintendent of Hamblen County Schools, a position he has held since 2022. A native of Hamblen County, Gen. Bunch previously served a distinguished 38-year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a four-star general. In his final military assignment, he commanded the Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, overseeing nearly 89,000 personnel and managing a $60 billion annual budget. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in civil engineering; completed Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama; earned a Master’s in mechanical engineering from California State University–Fresno; attended Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds a Master of Science in national security strategy from the National War College in Washington, D.C. Links & Resources: Questions or show ideas? Email TheEducationBlueprint@knoxschools.org.  Learn more about Knox County Schools at KnoxSchools.org. Follow Knox County Schools on all platforms: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube

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