Stronger Public Schools

Strong public schools are the foundation of a strong community. They shape our workforce, support families, and create opportunity for every child, regardless of neighborhood or background.

Katina believes supporting public education is both a moral responsibility and a smart investment in Knox County’s shared future. As County Commissioner, she will advocate for:

• Properly funded public schools, so students and educators have the resources they need to succeed, and Knox County Schools can afford to attract and retain high-quality educators with fair and competitive pay. Katina opposes vouchers, which take taxpayer money from public schools and redirect them to privately funded schools. 

• Strong support for teachers and school staff, recognizing that student success depends on adults who are respected, valued, and supported.

• Expanded and unique learning opportunities, including arts education, career and technical programs, dual enrollment programs, and innovative approaches that meet students where they are and open doors to their future. 

• Clear and diverse career pathways for all students—whether that path leads to college, technical training, apprenticeships, or directly into the workforce after high school.

When we invest in public schools, we invest in economic stability, workforce readiness, and a more equitable Knox County.

Smarter Growth & Housing

Katina understands we cannot—and should not—stop growth in Knox County. But we can choose to grow smarter. Growth should strengthen our community, not strain it.

Smarter growth means planning intentionally so development pays for itself and improves quality of life for everyone. Katina supports:

• Housing in a wide range of price points, so teachers, law enforcement officers, first responders, and working families can afford to live in the communities they serve.

• Thoughtfully planned neighborhoods, built in areas with access to public transportation and roads designed to handle traffic from the start.

• Infrastructure as part of the plan, not an afterthought. We must moving beyond quick fixes like adding a turn lane and instead designing roads and traffic systems that work long-term.

• Responsible partnerships with private developers, ensuring those who profit from new construction help cover the cost of roads, traffic controls, and infrastructure needed to support growth.

Katina believes we don’t slow growth—we plan growth. Growth that makes Knox County stronger, healthier, and more financially stable.

Smart Infrastructure & Strong Public Services

Good planning is good stewardship. Katina believes Knox County should be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to infrastructure and public services.

Her priorities include:

• Maintaining and fixing what we already have first, updating existing infrastructure before building something new whenever possible.

• Strong public safety services, ensuring fire departments and law enforcement can respond quickly and are well trained and fairly compensated to retain high-quality professionals.

• Improved public transportation, giving residents more reliable and accessible ways to get to work, school, and services.

• Well-funded libraries and public services, which play a critical role in education, connection, and quality of life.

• Safer, more walkable communities, with adequate lighting, sidewalks, and pedestrian infrastructure.

• Expanded high-speed internet access, especially in rural areas, so every resident can fully participate in modern life.

Strategic infrastructure planning saves money, improves safety, and ensures Knox County grows with intention rather than reaction.

Thriving—Together

Katina’s vision is rooted in faith, fairness, and a deep commitment to working together as a community. She believes Knox County works best when everyone is heard, everyone is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

By strengthening public schools, planning smarter growth, and investing wisely in infrastructure, we can build a Knox County that truly works for the people who call it home.