I’m Running for Re-Election
Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters —
I hope this message finds you well and full of hope for the future. Today, I’m honored to announce that I’m running for re-election to the Knox County Board of Education, District 4 in Knoxville, TN. Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving you, working to make our schools stronger, fairer, and more connected—and I believe we have more to do together.
What We’ve Accomplished
Looking back over my first term, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together:
Expanding Supports for Students — Advocating for more school counselors, social workers, and mental health resources so every child has the support they need.
Defending Public Education — Standing up against efforts to privatize our schools and ensuring Knox County students continue to benefit from strong, public education.
Improving Transparency & Access — Bringing families, teachers, and community members into the conversation, and making sure school board decisions are accessible and accountable to the public.
These wins are just the foundation of what we can accomplish when we stay engaged, organized, and focused on what matters most: our students.
Why I’m Running Again
There are still challenges that demand our attention:
Special Education & Federal Funding — Ensuring students with disabilities receive the services they are guaranteed under IDEA, even as state and federal education policies shift.
Third & Fourth Grade Retention Law — Advocating for approaches that help children thrive without creating more trauma and test anxiety for our youngest learners.
Equity in Access & Opportunity — Continuing to push for high-quality career pathways, advanced coursework, and inclusive learning for every student, no matter their ZIP code.
I believe that with the experience, the vision, and the values you’ve entrusted me with, we can push forward solutions. I’m running because now is not the time to rest. Our community deserves momentum, not stall-out.
My Vision Going Forward
Here’s what I’m committed to doing in my next term:
Expand Student Supports – Continue advocating for sustained funding for one-to-three tutoring, counseling, and wraparound services.
Modernize Schools with Fiscal Responsibility – Improve facilities and technology while keeping taxpayer accountability front and center.
Strengthen School-Family Partnerships – Build stronger connections between families and schools, recognizing student success as a shared effort.
I will continue to listen—your stories, your concerns, your hopes will guide the agenda. My door is always open, and I believe true leadership means serving with humility.
How You Can Be Part of This
This campaign is ours. If you believe in this vision, here are ways you can help:
Spread the Word: Talk with friends and neighbors; share this post; invite people to get involved. Share
Volunteer: Help us knock doors, make calls, or connect with the community. Email us!
Donate / Fundraise: Even $10 or $25 makes a difference in powering this grassroots campaign. Donate
Stay Connected: Sign up for updates, attend town halls or virtual sessions, and tell me what you want to see. Subscribe
A Grateful Look Back & Hopeful Look Ahead
Running for public office is humbling. I’m deeply grateful for your support—your ideas, your trust, your energy. You’ve made the successes of the past possible. I’m committed to earning your vote again, not by promises alone, but by showing up, working hard, and making real progress.
Let’s continue this journey together. The best days for Knox County Schools are ahead, and together, we will build them.
Thank you for everything. I’m excited for what the next chapter can bring.
With hope and resolve,
Katherine Bike
Knox County Board of Education, District 4