The Blount County Board of Education voted Jan. 9 to reserve surplus money—about $2.1 million—to hire teacher aides, general-education and special-education instructional assistants, intervention coaches and graduation coaches, and to set aside $75,000 to provide $5,000 in supplemental funding to each of the district's 15 elementary schools.

Board members said the transfers use existing surplus within the district budget rather than requesting additional funds from the county commission. The board described the transfers as earmarks: funds would be moved into "other charges" reserve lines and spent only if the director fills the identified positions.

Why it matters: Board leaders said additional instructional staff and coaches are intended to reduce class sizes and provide targeted support that can accelerate student learning. The funding decision follows a teacher survey and the district's recent TISSA report and pending curriculum and HR audits.

Board discussion and rationale
Board members referenced a survey of 369 teachers in which 83% reported not having enough staff to meet student needs. A board member stated the district's fund balance was $6.8 million as of June 30 and that the proposed transfers would still leave a substantial reserve. The board emphasized the money will be held in reserve and only spent as positions are filled; transfers that cross specific budget line items would require county commission approval.

Questions from board members
Board member Erica Moore asked for clarity on the lines and cautioned that some intervention coaches are current classroom teachers and pulling them out midyear could harm instruction. She also asked that the board hold a work session so all members could discuss priorities for where positions should be placed once funded. Another board member said the curriculum audit (scheduled to report in April) and an HR audit will inform longer-term hires, but said the teacher survey and current student performance data justified early action.

Elementary-school supplementary funding
In a separate motion, the board approved taking $75,000 from the earmarked surplus to provide $5,000 to each of the district's 15 elementary schools. The district will require principals to submit a plan for how they will use the funds; proposed uses include consumable instructional materials, enrichment activities, student fees, science equipment, STEM materials and field-trip support.

Votes and implementation
Both motions passed by roll call vote. The board instructed the director and central office to manage requisitions and to ensure purchases are consistent with instructional priorities. Members said they expect some positions will be hired immediately while other uses will await the curriculum and HR audits.

Ending
Board members framed the decision as an attempt to act on teacher-identified needs and to put resources in place quickly while preserving fiscal prudence by keeping the money in reserve until positions are filled.