It’s budget season, and Hamilton County Schools has a problem: a funding shortfall of up to $18.5 million.
Much blame has been tossed around as to what created this budget fiasco. County Commission Chair Jeff Eversole pointed the finger at the school system for using temporary pandemic-era assistance to fund permanent positions.
It should be noted, however, that school officials warned the school board over a year ago that the expiration of pandemic funds would cause a budget squeeze.
Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson has attributed the shortfall to tax revenues failing to meet projections and rising costs, primarily from a $12.5 million increase in health care.
County Mayor Weston Wamp, in a presentation in March to the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, suggested the city of Chattanooga should invest more in public schools.