Reporter’s Note
Do you agree with the cuts to Hamilton County Schools’ revised FY 2020 budget? What would you like to see added back in or reduced more? We want to hear from you! Email mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6592 to share your thoughts on the budget.
– Meghan
THIS WEEK IN EDUCATION NEWS
It’s been more than two months since the Hamilton County Board of Education approved it’s first fiscal year 2020 budget, but they’re not done yet.
Since the Hamilton County Commission shot down the school district’s attempt at a $34 million funding increase – and a 34 cent property tax rate increase – the board has been revising it’s proposed budget for the next year.
Last Thursday, Superintendent Bryan Johnson and his staff unveiled a new balanced budget proposal, which the board is set to discuss again on Thursday, July 18.
Last week, District 6 board member Jenny Hill called the revised proposal “deeply sobering”.
Though the board hasn’t officially scheduled a vote on the budget yet, it anticipates calling a special session for July 25.
The budget isn’t the only thing the board has to talk about in the coming days and week though.
It also must vote on a new Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline for students, a revised contract with the teachers’ union as well as revised school fee policies.
Both the teachers’ contract and the fee policy revisions are due in part to the rejection of the board’s original proposed budget.
Keeping reading for more on the budget and other education news from the past week!