Sevier County budget committee takes school system budget under advisement; district cites $48,000 starting‑pay goal

The Sevier County Board of Commissioners' Budget Committee reviewed the Sevier County School System's proposed 2024–25 budget during a May 13 meeting and voted unanimously to take the proposal under advisement.

Assistant Superintendent Whit Helton presented an overview of the district’s finances and the capital outlay budget. Helton said the district had “2,186 as of December 1, 2023, but that number had likely grown since then” when asked about students for whom English is a second language. Superintendent Stephanie Huskey told the committee the district serves “a little over 14,000” students in total.

Commissioner Fred Atchley asked the committee to confirm a district goal of a $48,000 starting salary for new teachers. Commissioner Foster asked how the district plans to handle employees who are not yet at that threshold; Helton said the district has “a pay schedule in place.”

On facilities, Commissioner Kent Woods asked about start and completion dates for the Northview Primary extension. Huskey said bids were expected to be ready for the June school board meeting and that the project’s anticipated completion date is February 2025. Woods also asked for county liquor‑by‑the‑drink statistics; the transcript records the question but no response.

Procedurally, Commissioner Fred Atchley called the Budget Committee to order at 6:37 p.m. Commissioner Mike Chambers moved to accept and take the proposed budget under advisement; Commissioner Kent Woods seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Woods then moved to adjourn; Commissioner Ronnie Whaley seconded, and the committee adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

No formal budget adoption was recorded at the meeting; the transcript shows the committee took the proposal under advisement and did not adopt a final budget during this session.