When it comes to local institutions, public education occupies a special place in our hearts and minds. It’s where our children learn life lessons, develop both emotionally and intellectually and grow into adults who will one day lead us into the future.
To realize those aims takes targeted investment in the form of taxpayer dollars. Now, as local governments set their budgets, it is time to determine just how much we care to invest to ensure our schoolchildren receive the best education possible.
Making up nearly two-thirds of Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp’s proposed $1.1 billion budget, $705 million is set to go to Hamilton County Schools. The stated goal throughout the budget process was to prioritize higher pay for teachers — and the school system, with limited resources, has done just that.
Cutting 5% of funding from Hamilton County Schools, along with other budget reductions, officials were able to set aside $14 million for teacher pay raises. With the proposed budget, teachers, counselors and librarians are set to see a 3.5% salary increase. For other staff such as educational assistants and administrators, it’s a 2.25% increase.
(IN THE NEWS: Superintendent Justin Robertson presents $705M budget to Hamilton County Commission)