Newton County board adopts 2026 legislative priorities, highlights taxpayer relief and teacher compensation

The Newton County Board of Education voted to adopt its 2026 legislative priorities, following a staff presentation and community survey feedback. Ben Rountree, chief of staff, said the priorities were grounded in local input and noted two prominently cited themes: taxpayer relief and strengthening the educator workforce.

"Our priority around taxpayer relief elevates the potential of providing local boards of education with flexible voter approved funding options, such as an education local option sales tax," Rountree said, outlining an option districts could use to reduce reliance on property taxes while maintaining revenue for day-to-day operations.

Rountree also emphasized educator compensation and pipeline strategies as central components of the priorities, describing competition for a "shrinking pool of teachers and support staff" and arguing that competitive pay is necessary to recruit and retain personnel.

Board members discussed outreach plans including a proposed pre-session breakfast to brief the local legislative delegation and stressed consistent, shared messaging across neighboring districts. Several board members urged using student showcases and local industry partnerships to demonstrate district needs to lawmakers.

The superintendent recommended adopting the document and posting the final priorities to the district's website; the board approved the item by voice vote.