News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Overton County School Board passed its budget on first reading Tuesday with more discussion on teacher raises yet to come.
Director of Schools Donnie Holman said one of the biggest challenges the board has faced is budgeting extra money for rising insurance rates. He said the board hopes to give teachers considerable raises while balancing that extra expense.
“The minimum for us to raise this year is $2,500,” Holman said. “We were, and I think you can tell by the tone of the board, they’re looking at that and then the possibility of more to go along with it. They want to be as pro-employee and pro-teacher as they can be.”
Holman said after the board was advised to set more money aside for insurance this year, the board learned costs are likely to be even higher than was warned.
The board discussed staying competitive with surrounding districts that are raising salaries by as much as $4,500. Holman said raising salaries by at least $3,000 would be a great start.
“Several of us directors were talking a month or so ago and everyone was sharing what their plans are,” Holman said. “And I’d like to see Overton County to remain competitive.”
He said the district has been putting a lot of effort and plans into where its new Building Program fits into the budget. He said the program primarily involved new classrooms at several district schools.
“I think we’ve got the budget pretty well for that portion,” Holman said. “For that portion. For the building program, I think we’ve got that ironed out pretty good. You know, how much we can spend and that sort of thing. So, and where the money’s coming from? How much we’re borrowing? How much we’re using from out of our own money?”
Holman said he looks forward to the benefits the district will reap from the program for years to come. He said every aspect of a strong budget works together to ensure all bases are covered system-wide.
