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Hamilton County school board approves new positions despite complaints of inequality

Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson speaks during the Opportunity Zone Community Celebration Phase II at Howard School on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Parents, school faculty and community members gathered to note the accomplishments of the Opportunity Zone schools.
Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson speaks during the Opportunity Zone Community Celebration Phase II at Howard School on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Parents, school faculty and community members gathered to note the accomplishments of the Opportunity Zone schools. Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson speaks during the Opportunity Zone Community Celebration Phase II at Howard School on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Parents, school faculty and community members gathered to note the accomplishments of the Opportunity Zone schools.

By Meghan Mangrum 4 min read

NEW POSITIONS ADDED

> English language learner teacher> Truancy officer for The Howard School> English language learner lead teacher/coach> Newcomer Center coordinator for The Howard School>Full-time equity clerical assistant> 2 behavior support specialists> IT help desk technician> Nurse> Guidance counselor> Alternative school teacher for Brainerd High> In-school suspension monitor for Brainerd High

Tempers flared as the school board approved a dozen new positions including more truancy officers, English as a second language teachers and two district behavior coaches Thursday night.

Many of the positions, which were not part of the original budget the board approved last summer, will serve Howard and Brainerd high schools and other inner-city schools or schools that fall into the district’s Opportunity Zone.

District 1 board member Rhonda Thurman, who represents areas including Sale Creek and Soddy-Daisy, said that wasn’t fair.

“You cut funding in some areas and provide it in other areas, I just have a problem with that,” Thurman said. “It’s amazing how we find money when we want it; $390,000 just falls out of the sky.”