Board of Education slashes budget by $800,000
No one sitting on the Anderson County Board of Education was happy about the new budget passed last Thursday — but they all understood it was what had been asked of them.
Director of Anderson County Schools Dr. Tim Parrott presented the new budget that asks for no new revenue from Anderson County Commission.
“I don’t like any of these cuts. I didn’t like the first ones,” Board member Andy McKamey said.
Among the cuts are a foreign language teacher, coach’s supplements, and band equipment.
But the 2-percent pay increase for staff remains.
“Some of these are really distasteful,” McKamy said.
Parrott said the state is paying for about $500,000 of those raises, leaving the board about $1 million to cover not just the 2-percent raise, but step increases as well.
“I want to commend you for keeping those (raises) in,” board member Teresa Portwood told Parrott.
The board has previously cut about $700,000 from its budget, but was still $800,000 out of whack.
Budget cuts if no new funds from County Commission — with a 2-percent pay raise for all employees:
Gym at Grand Oaks -$200,000
Band equipment at high schools -$50,000
One Middle School position -$50,000
One High School position -$50,000
One maintenance position -$30,000
One full time nurse -$30,000
One Technology position -$50,000
Special Ed Educational assistants -$50,000
Custodial person -$50,000
High School coaching supplements -$30,000
Funds for schools for supplies -$42,500
SRO vehicle -$25,000
Transportation safety -$35,000
Health services supplies and materials -$25,000
Gasoline -$15,000
Special Ed Instructional supplies -$10,000
City of Rocky Top field maintenance -$10,000
Health Services travel -$5,000
Regular instruction staff development -$7,000
CTE student travel -$5,000
Technology instructional supplies -$5,000
Board of Education travel -$5,000
Cut 20 days from two 120 day contracts -$5,000
Director of Schools travel -$3,000
Director of Schools supplies and materials -$5,000
Director of Schools other charges employee celebration -$5,000
Office of the Principal travel -$5,000
Office of the Principal staff development -$5,000
Total budget cuts -$807,500
