Sevier County schools budget seriously affected
Up to 11 teachers may lose their jobs
Recently Governor Bredesen was in Knoxville promoting the success of his new Basic Education Program 2.0 that is about to have serious adverse effects on the Sevier County School District.
Some school leaders are not so happy.
Jack Parton, Sevier County School Superintendent, says he may have to lay off teachers if the county commission doesn't raise taxes to make up for the shortfall.
Johnson County Superintendent Morris Woodring said, "We're not getting our fair share.''
The Anderson County School District would get an additional $3,468,000 next year.
The Oak Ridge School System stands to reap an additional $1.9 million next year, or about $1 million more than originally forecast.
Unlike the Sevier County School Board, many school boards across the state are now deciding how best to use the new state money according to the BEP 2.0 guidelines.
Superintendent Parton believes the BEP funding formula will have adverse effects and set Sevier County schools back 15 years.
County commissioners were informed Tuesday night, by Parton that they may have to make cuts.
Cuts would include 31 teachers. Parton says plans for 20 new "growth" positions he wanted to add would not happen, and he'd have to eliminate 11 existing jobs.
Assistant Education Commissioner Robert Greene said of the updated Basic Education Program, there is about $300 million new dollars
Sevier County, according to its superintendent, is one of those so called "lesser winners." In fact, county commissioners and the Sevier County superintendent say they're actually worse off than before.
The positions in questions are physical education, music, art, guidance, special needs, nurses and assistant principals.