Staff Photo by Patrick Smith. Dr. Jim Scales, Hamilton County Schools superintendent.A proposed list of budget cuts to the Hamilton County Department of Education includes Deputy Superintendent Rick Smith’s position, according to Hamilton County school board members.
The list, drawn up by Superintendent Jim Scales, is part of the department’s efforts to manage the system’s nearly $14 million shortfall. Scales has previously said there would need to be deep cuts to the department, but so far has declined to list positions that could be carved out.
According to school spokeswoman Danielle Clark, Scales informed several board members individually of the cuts Monday.
Board Chairman Everett Fairchild said he was shocked when he saw Smith’s name on the list.
“Who’s going to do the work? He carries the administrative load down at central office,” Fairchild said. “If [Scales] does away with that position, we’re in trouble.”