Reporter’s Note
Happy (almost) New Year, readers! Make sure to check out next week’s newsletter, which will feature not only some of the top education stories of 2019, but also what to expect in 2020. Until then, have a safe and happy holiday!
– Meghan
THIS WEEK IN EDUCATION NEWS
As the year winds down, the Times Free Press took a look at some of the top stories in Chattanooga and across the state this year.
One of those stories was the ongoing conversation about teacher pay.
Teacher pay was at the center of wrangling between teachers and elected officials in Hamilton County this year.
In April, schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson requested an additional $34 million in the district’s fiscal year 2020 budget, with teacher raises one of the many line items the district hoped to accomplish with the budget increase.
In June, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger proposed a 34-cent property tax rate hike solely to increase funding for public education, but on June 26 county commissioners voted for an amendment scrapping the rate hike in a vote of 5-4.
More recently, hundreds of teachers signed a petition in November calling for more pay and school funding and have began organizing as Hamilton County United to call on local elected officials to support the teachers’ call.
Check out some of Chattanooga’s other top stories this year here.
And keep reading for this week’s important education stories!