The Knoxville School Board approved an agreement at its meeting last week to allow the Red Cross to use school facilities in the event of an emergency. Superintendent Cassi Pearson says she hopes that situation never arises, but is happy to offer the buildings in an emergency.

“This is just a basic agreement that allows the Red Cross to use school facilities in case there’s ever a natural disaster or emergency that our facilities could be beneficial. The agreement is in place, and we don’t have to go through all of the protocol pieces at the last minute when there is an emergency. We’re hoping that there is a natural disaster in our area, but it’s in place just in case.”