Sevier County committees approve school budget with raises and higher starting pay

The Sevier County Board of Commissioners' Education and Budget Committees unanimously approved the Sevier County School System proposed 2026–2027 budget at a joint meeting on May 11, 2026. Commissioner Ronnie Whaley moved to approve the proposed budget and Commissioner Greg Haggard seconded; the Education Committee vote passed unanimously. The Education Committee then voted to send the proposal to the Budget Committee, which also voted to accept the budget after a motion by Commissioner Warren Hurst and a second by Commissioner Whaley.

Superintendent Stephanie Huskey and Assistant Superintendent Whit Helton presented the budget to the committees, outlining projected revenues, expenditures and planned capital projects. The proposed package includes a 3% raise for certified staff and a $1-per-hour raise for support staff. First-year teacher starting salary is listed at $54,000 and support staff starting pay at $19 per hour. The school system serves more than 13,600 students and employs over 3,080 staff, the presentation noted.

The Education Committee recorded formal motions: Commissioner Whaley moved to approve the budget (seconded by Commissioner Haggard) and Commissioner Harold Pitner moved to send the approved Education Committee proposal to the Budget Committee (seconded by Commissioner Brandon Headrick); both motions passed unanimously. The Budget Committee subsequently accepted the proposal and committees adjourned at 6:08 PM.