Knox County Schools have officially announced the appointment of a new chief of security. Carlo J. Granillo, the former chief of police for the Fontana School Police Department in California, will take over the responsibilities in March 2025. This decision comes after the previous chief, Jason Periard, stepped down in October 2024 for a role in the private sector. The school district executed a national search before selecting Granillo for the position, hoping to capitalize on his extensive experience in law enforcement and school safety.
"I am humbled and excited to join the Knox County Schools leadership team," said Granillo, as per WATE. "From my conversations with KCS leaders, it is clear they are deeply committed to the overall safety, security, and success of every student." Granillo appears prepared to build on the district's existing Safe Schools, Safe Students initiative and to work in conjunction with the dedicated professionals of the KCS Security Department.
As KCS welcomes Granillo, the community also faces health and environmental challenges, resulting in school closures. According to WBIR, several East Tennessee and Kentucky schools announced closures due to peak flu season and flooding from recent storms. Specific closures included Anderson County Schools last Friday, Concord Christian School on the same day due to illness, and Grainger County Schools opting for virtual learning due to the weather conditions.
Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk expressed his confidence in Granillo, citing his strong law enforcement background and close work with public school districts. "School safety is our most important responsibility, and we are excited to welcome Mr. Granillo as our new Chief of Security," Rysewyk told WVLT. Indeed, Granillo's experience overseeing a district of 45 schools and approximately 33,000 students is expected to benefit Knox County Schools profoundly. Granillo holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University and maintains several advanced certifications in law enforcement, public safety, management, and leadership.
