A joint meeting Monday between the Hamilton County Commission and Board of Education has been postponed, according to a news release.
The release, from County Commission Chair Jeff Eversole, R-Ooltewah, and Board of Education Chair Joe Smith, R-Hixson, and distributed by the school district, said the bodies have mutually agreed to reschedule the meeting until after a final version of the budget has been voted on by the school board.
“Postponing this meeting ensures that both elected bodies are able to engage in the most productive, informed and collaborative discussions on behalf of students, families and community members of Hamilton County,” the release said.
The group Democracy in Action had called for people to attend the meeting in support of increased funding for education. The meeting was set for the Harrison Community Center on Highway 58.
“It’s the job of the Hamilton County Commission to fully fund our public schools, but the percentage of available funds it gives our schools has been steadily shrinking,” the group said in a social media post. “With the current funding structure, our school board can’t present a budget that doesn’t negatively impact students.
“Stand with teachers, students and parents,” the post continued. “Ask the County Commission to prioritize public education.”
The school board will host a community listening session from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Red Bank Middle School, the release said. Hamilton County residents who wish to speak at the meeting must register. Advance registration, available at bit.ly/HCSlisten, closes at 10 a.m. Monday.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. Tuesday, with in-person registration closing at 5:45 p.m. A limited number of spots will be held for in-person registration. Anyone who registered in advance must sign in by 5:45 p.m. to maintain their spot.
The school board’s Finance Committee will meet Wednesday, when district administrators will present the second version of the system’s proposed budget.
The Board of Education’s final vote on the budget will take place during its May 8 meeting. Regular board meetings begin with a work session at 4:30 p.m.
The release said a rescheduled joint meeting will be announced before the Board of Education’s final vote.
— Compiled by Lew Gilliland