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Blount County Schools propose $129M operating budget, shift major capital to separate fund and flag urgent Chromebook order
Summary
School leaders proposed a roughly $129 million operating budget (Fund 141) with a planned use of fund balance for social studies curriculum, said they will shift major capital outlays to Fund 177, and warned of a time‑sensitive Chromebook purchase that must be ordered before July to be ready for fall.
Justin Ridge, director of Blount County Schools, and finance lead Britney presented the district’s preliminary budget approach and capital strategy to the committee. Ridge said the system serves roughly 10,000 students and employs nearly 1,700 staff and described academic recognitions and recent facility investments such as a renovated career and technical building.
Finance lead Britney provided budget figures and assumptions: Fund 141 (operating) is presented at roughly $129 million with an estimated $1.25–1.5 million use of fund balance primarily for a social studies curriculum acquisition; anticipated revenue growth includes an estimated $1.3 million in additional TISA state funds and a projected $1.7 million increase in sales tax receipts. The district is consolidating major capital spending into Fund 177 to separate one‑time capital needs from ongoing operations and preserve fiscal clarity.
Britney said district leaders are committed to maintaining the pay scale implemented last year and budgeted a cost‑of‑living/step package (roughly $2.0 million for certified staff and $670,000 for classified staff) to preserve competitiveness. She also warned the committee that a Chromebook procurement is time‑sensitive: devices must be ordered in May to be ready for deployment July 1, and if the purchase cannot be appropriated through Fund 177, the district may need to shift the expense into Fund 141 and use fund balance.
The presentation was informational; staff will supply follow‑up details on staffing allocations, pay‑scale implementation status and grant details in subsequent briefings.
