Knox County Schools set out to solve a challenge many districts face: principals were working hard, but without a shared definition of effective leadership or clear expectations for how the role should be carried out. In partnership with PIVOT, the district built a unified Leadership Framework and Principal Playbook to bring clarity, consistency, and coherence to leadership across all 95 schools. What began as targeted support for struggling schools quickly became a systemwide approach to defining excellent leadership, aligning roles, and strengthening the pipeline for future principals—raising both the floor and the ceiling for school leadership across the district.

At Jellico Elementary, Principal Kenny Chadwell partnered with PIVOT to take a more strategic approach to chronic absenteeism. With coaching support, he streamlined attendance systems, boosted family engagement, and rebuilt processes that helped reduce absenteeism—all while strengthening staff collaboration and academic focus.

In Knox County, PIVOT partnered with principals to strengthen leadership across CSI-designated schools. At Green Magnet Academy, coaching helped Principal Jessica Holman develop a consistent, data-driven approach to student behavior, leading to more effective systems, reduced disruptions, and a more positive school climate.