KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Knox County Schools Chief Security Officer Jason Periard is resigning, according to school system officials.

Périard was appointed to this position in 2021.

He served in the United States Marine Corps for over 20 years and rose through the ranks to the rank of Master Sergeant.

He also served as a special agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and an investigative officer for the USMC Criminal Investigation Service.

“Under Chief Periard’s leadership, our security department has grown in capacity and intentionality, and I want to thank him for his service to KCS and his dedication to keeping our students and schools safe,” said KCS Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk. “We wish him well in his next endeavor.”

The school system announced it would conduct a national search to find his replacement.

Rebecca “Becky” Wuethrich was named interim chief effective November 1.

Wuethrich has worked with the Metropolitan Planning Commission, Knox County Codes Administration and the Knox County Law Director’s Office. She joined KCS in 2011 as head of discipline and investigations.

Copyright 2024 WVLT. All rights reserved.