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Sevier County education committee advances 20242D25 school budget; discusses $48,000 starting teacher pay and Northview Primary timeline
Summary
The Sevier County Education Committee voted May 13 to present the proposed 20242D25 school budget to the county Budget Committee, heard that district enrollment is "a little over 14,000," that 2,186 students had English as a second language as of Dec. 1, 2023, and discussed a $48,000 starting pay goal and Northview Primary construction timeline.
The Sevier County Education Committee on May 13 voted to present the Sevier County School System27s proposed 20242D25 budget to the county Budget Committee and discussed teacher starting pay and the Northview Primary extension timeline.
Whit Helton, assistant superintendent, opened the committee27s education item with an overview of the district27s revenue, expenditures and capital outlay request. "We had 2,186 as of December 1, 2023, but that number had likely grown since then," Helton said, referring to students with English as a second language. Stephanie Huskey, director of schools, told the committee the district had "a little over 14,000" students in total.
The committee also addressed compensation for new teachers. Commissioner Fred Atchley asked to confirm a goal of $48,000 starting pay for new teachers; Commissioner Aaron Foster asked how employees who are not yet at that threshold would be handled. Helton said the district "had a pay schedule in place" but the meeting record does not include further detail on timing or funding to reach the $48,000 target.
Commissioner Kent Woods asked about the Northview Primary extension. Huskey said bids were hoped to be ready for the June School Board meeting and that the project27s anticipated completion date was February 2025.
After the presentation andquestions, Mayor Larry Waters called the committee to order at 6:30 p.m. The committee nominated Commissioner Gary Cole as chairman (motion by Commissioner Greg Haggard; second by Commissioner Harold Pitner) and Andrew Temple as secretary (motion by Commissioner Gary Cole; second by Commissioner Greg Haggard). Both nominations were approved unanimously.
Commissioner Cole called for a motion to approve and present the proposed 20242D25 budget to the county Budget Committee. Commissioner Ronnie Whaley moved the motion; Commissioner Greg Haggard seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Warren Hurst then moved to adjourn the Education Committee so county business could continue with the Budget Committee; Commissioner Whaley seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The Education Committee adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
The Budget Committee will next review the proposed school budget; the Education Committee did not adopt the budget at this meeting but voted to advance it for further county budget consideration.
