A surprising lot goes on behind the scenes to make the district’s wheels turn smoothly, and a big part of that magic comes from two remarkable women: Kelli Nelson, the district accountant, and Jodi Grace, the administrative assistant to the superintendent and board secretary. Together, they’re more than just colleagues; they’re the connective tissue that holds Knoxville Schools together. And they’re doing it with a seamless blend of experience, dedication, and a healthy dose of small-town pride.

Kelli and Jodi’s desks might sit behind office doors 250 yards as the crow flies from the nearest classroom, but their impact reaches every classroom, teacher, and student in the district. “I’ve been here 22 years,” says Kelli, a Knoxville native with a sharp mind for numbers and a heart for her hometown. As the district accountant, Kelli ensures that payroll is processed, bills are paid, and every penny is accounted for. In a world where budgets can be as challenging as algebra, Kelli is the one who makes sure Knoxville’s finances add up.

Her work may sound like it’s all about dollars and cents, but Kelli’s role is far more than that. “I love the symmetry of it,” she says with a smile. “When the numbers balance, it’s like a little puzzle that’s been solved.” But beyond the spreadsheets and reconciliations, Kelli’s heart lies in knowing her work directly supports Knoxville’s teachers and students. From supplies to salaries, her efforts ensure that Knoxville Schools have the resources they need to keep moving forward.

Jodi, on the other hand, is the district’s go-to person for just about everything else. She joined Knoxville Schools a year ago after serving seven years as a secretary in the nearby Galesburg district. Since then, she’s brought her energy, organizational skills, and sense of humor to the administrative office. “I prepare the board packets, record minutes, manage personnel records, and work on the website,” she explains, listing off her responsibilities with the efficiency of someone who clearly knows how to manage a busy trainyard.

But Jodi’s contribution doesn’t end with her job description. In a small district where everyone wears multiple hats, she’s the one helping secretaries in other buildings get organized, keeping track of district-wide communications, and making sure the website stays current. “We’re a three-man band here,” she jokes, “and we literally do it all.” For Jodi, the job is about creating a streamlined, well-organized foundation that supports the entire district.

Both Kelli and Jodi agree that Knoxville’s small-town feel is one of its greatest assets. “In a place like this, you get to know everyone,” says Kelli. “A lot of people here went to Knoxville Schools themselves, and they come back to teach or work. There’s a real sense of community.” This connection isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about shared commitment. As Jodi puts it, “There’s something special about working in a community where people genuinely care about one another and show up for Friday night games, no matter what the season record looks like.”

Knoxville’s tight-knit community means that Kelli and Jodi’s roles are essential. They see their work as part of a larger effort to support local families and provide students with the best possible education. They’re not the ones teaching math or reading, but their work ensures that teachers can focus on what they do best. Whether it’s getting payroll out on time, ensuring funding is used effectively, or keeping the community informed, Kelli and Jodi play a vital role in the district’s success.

For Knoxville residents, knowing that the district is in the hands of such capable, dedicated professionals is a point of pride. The investment of taxpayer dollars is well-managed, and the district operates efficiently, thanks in large part to Kelli’s and Jodi’s work behind the scenes. It’s a system built on trust, transparency, and an unspoken commitment to making Knoxville Schools a place where students feel supported and valued.

In the end, Kelli Nelson and Jodi Grace exemplify what Knoxville is all about: community, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to education. They may not stand at the front of the classroom, but their work is the foundation upon which every lesson, every achievement, and every student success is built. For Knoxville, that’s something to celebrate.