Community Resources
Knox County Schools values strong partnerships with the community and provides various avenues for engagement, collaboration, and access to district resources. Whether you're looking to get involved with school activities, request the use of district facilities, distribute flyers about community programs, submit a facility naming request, or request public records, this page serves as your hub for information and processes.
Engagement
Community engagement is paramount to ensuring schools are strong, teachers are supported, and students are inspired.
Knox County Schools offers a range of opportunities for involvement — at the school, regional, and district level
— so everyone can find a meaningful way to contribute.
Join us in making a difference — your participation matters!
History
Located in the "Alice Bell" community of north-east Knox County, the Richard Yoakley School began as the Alice Bell School in 1948, built on land gifted by Alice Bell, a prominent figure and landowner in the community. Read more about Alice Bell here.
According to the KCS Museum of Education, the school was renamed in 1962 to honor Richard Yoakley who served as the director of pupil personnel for Knox County Schools from 1970 to 1996. In that role, Mr. Yoakley initiated and managed many student-centered programs that supported students in both their educational and personal development. Through "counseling services, student welfare programs, special education initiatives, attendance monitoring and behavioral support services...Yoakley played a central role in shaping the district's student support systems."
Today, continuing this legacy of multi-level student supports, RYS and its educators provide academic, behavioral, vocational, and social skills programs designed to help students successfully transition back to their base schools once their period of required attendance is complete.
Facility Use
Knox County Schools is committed to serving the community and fostering strong partnerships with local organizations, groups, and individuals. In support of this mission, district buildings are available for public use — subject to availability and approval — for community events, meetings, and activities that align with the district’s values and objectives.
Users are encouraged to review the facilities guidelines and complete the necessary application forms for consideration. All reservations must be made in advance.