School District utilizes STARS Act funding to address salary disparities and budget needs

The Carter County Commissioners convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting local education and staffing. The meeting primarily focused on the recent passage of the STARS Act, which aims to enhance funding for educators in the region.

The STARS Act, recently signed by the governor, establishes a minimum salary requirement for teachers at $41.06 per hour. This legislation is expected to provide approximately $7,000 per teacher, which includes payments for both certified and emergency authorized staff. However, the funding does not extend to classified staff, which includes essential roles such as cooks and custodians. The discussion highlighted the need for additional financial support to ensure that classified staff receive fair compensation, as many are currently earning below competitive rates compared to other local employers.

The commissioners were informed that the district requires around $70,000 to meet the new salary baseline. Without this funding, the district anticipates having only $15,000 remaining after fulfilling the initial salary requirements, which would be insufficient to support classified staff or enhance their wages. The urgency of this funding was emphasized, as the district seeks to retain staff and improve overall morale through competitive salaries and professional development opportunities.

In addition to salary discussions, the meeting touched on ongoing grant efforts aimed at professional development for teachers. The district has been proactive in seeking funding to enhance educational practices and provide teachers with opportunities to learn from successful programs in neighboring states.

The commissioners also discussed community projects, including an initiative to create a walking track designed by students, which aims to foster community engagement and provide additional facilities for local residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the critical need for financial support from the county to ensure that both certified and classified staff are adequately compensated, thereby enhancing the quality of education in Carter County. The commissioners are expected to consider the district's request for assistance as they move forward with budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year.