Every time we approve another position we are taking another dollar out of the classroom. I will never vote to add more people to [the] Central Office.
Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith said the school district can no longer neglect the importance of technology to classroom instruction, and it is time to hire an assistant superintendent of innovation.
According to Smith, money has been set aside in the budget for years to fund the position, and he’s been waiting until the time is right to make the hire. He assured members of the county school board last week that funding for the position will come from the personnel budget and not take away funds designated to schools.
The board voted in favor of adding the high-ranking position without much discussion. Board member Rhonda Thurman cast the only dissenting vote.
Kirk Kelly is the director of testing and accountability for the Hamilton County School system.
Staff File Photo
Hamilton County Schools finance director Christie Jordan speaks to members of the Hamilton County Board of Education as they meet to rework their 2016 budget request on June 1, 2015, in Chattanooga.“Every time we approve another position we are taking another dollar out of the classroom,” Thurman said. “I will never vote to add more people to [the] Central Office.”