About Us

Located in Board of Education District 1 and KCS Region 1, Pond Gap Elementary was the first community school established in Knox County Schools.

Pond Gap Elementary is located on Papermill Road and has the privilege of serving 350 students in the Pond Gap community. Pond Gap is a Title 1, community school, serving a variety of students with different backgrounds, cultures, and languages. The diversity at Pond Gap allows our students to thrive and have an enriching school experience.

The mission of Pond Gap Elementary is to create challenging learning opportunities by providing a nurturing environment integrated by the family, community, and staff.

Principal

Sarah Mercer

Ms. Sarah Mercer has worked in Knox County Schools in various capacities, including teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. She grew up in the Karns community and graduated from Karns High School. She is excited to serve the Pond Gap community and has a passion for empowering others to seek their highest potential. She believes that all students are capable of success and deserve an opportunity to be heard, feel safe, and to grow. Principal Mercer desires to equip our future leaders with the tools they need to find success.

Sarah Mercer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Freed-Hardeman University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. She holds an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University.

EMAIL SARAH MERCER

Assistant Principal

Nicole Slayton

Nicole Slayton began her educational career with Albuquerque Public Schools in 2006. She served as an elementary school teacher and later as an assistant principal at both the elementary and high school levels. In 2023, she relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, where she joined Knox County Schools as the assistant principal at Hardin Valley Academy.

Nicole Slayton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from New Mexico State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.

EMAIL NICOLE SLAYTON

Staff Directory

Our staff directory provides a comprehensive and easily accessible listing of school and district personnel. Searches can be made by name, job title, or facility location.

Search Directory

Calendar

Pond Gap Elementary follows an academic calendar approved by the Board of Education that identifies the first and last day of school; student and teacher in-service days; early release days; school holidays; and grading periods.

These calendars are detailed by school year.

See Calendar

Logo Image

Logo Title

In This Section