Knox County Public Schools is pleased to welcome Kate Ray as the district’s new Director of Federal Programs and Professional Development.
Ray began her career as an English teacher and has served in several instructional and administrative roles. Most recently, she served as principal of the Laurel County Schools Center for Innovation.
“I was drawn to Knox County by the opportunity to use those experiences at the district level and support schools in a broader way,” Ray said.
Her experience as a principal included work with instruction, personnel, budgets, school improvement, career and technical education, alternative education, postsecondary readiness, professional learning, and student services.
“Most importantly, it taught me to keep the needs of schools and students at the center of every decision,” she said.
Ray is especially proud of the culture and shared purpose created at the Center for Innovation. The school brought together students and staff from a variety of programs and backgrounds.
“We worked intentionally to create an environment where high expectations, strong relationships, and opportunities for students could all coexist,” Ray said.
Under her leadership, the school developed postsecondary agreements and offered dual-credit opportunities in every pathway. However, Ray said the greatest reward was watching students grow and discover possibilities they may not have previously imagined for themselves.
As she begins her new role, Ray is looking forward to learning more about Knox County and building relationships throughout the district.
“I am excited to learn about Knox County, its schools, its people, and its strengths,” she said. “I am looking forward to becoming part of a great team and finding ways to contribute to the great work already happening across the district.”
Ray wants principals and staff members to view her office as both a resource and a partner.
“I look forward to listening to our principals and staff, helping remove barriers, connecting them with resources, and supporting the work they do for students every day,” she said.
Professional learning will also be an important part of Ray’s work. Her vision is to provide learning opportunities that meet schools’ needs while recognizing the knowledge and talent already present within the district.
“I believe professional learning should be purposeful, relevant, and responsive to the needs of our schools,” Ray said. “I also want us to recognize and utilize the tremendous expertise that already exists among the educators in Knox County.”
During her first 30 days, Ray plans to focus on listening, learning, and building relationships. She wants to understand the district’s current systems and priorities, identify what is working well, and determine where she can provide the greatest support.
Ray holds an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Supervision, a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning, and a bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education.
She is a wife and the mother of three grown children. Her husband serves as Forest Supervisor for the Daniel Boone National Forest. Ray said service has long been an important part of their family life.
As a colon cancer survivor, she also strives to model perseverance and grit in every part of her life. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, traveling, and turkey hunting.
Ray replaces Stacy Imel, who will retire at the end of September. Imel has served as a director, area technology center (ATC) principal, middle school assistant principal, counselor, and teacher during her education career. As a director, Imel supported Knox County Public Schools in many areas, including federal programs, professional learning, comprehensive improvement planning, career and technical education, school-based decision-making (SBDM), and academic programs, such as adopting curriculum for reading and math.