Knox County Schools teachers and staff are set to receive their biggest pay raise after the school board approved a massive $684 million budget for the next year. In a move celebrated by educators across the county, the board voted for a historically high level of funding to increase employee salaries to market value.
Despite the loss of pandemic-related federal aid, Knox County Schools has managed to keep afloat and generously invest $41 million in lifting their employees' paychecks. "I'm celebrating, I'm excited, I’m excited about the possibilities, I’m excited about the direction, I’m excited about the trajectory," Knox County Educators Association president Paula Hancock enthused in a statement obtained by WATE. This boost is set to foster a more competitive environment and is speculated to improve morale among staff greatly.
Yet, during the approval process, questions were raised about staffing choices amid this investment spree. Board member Jennifer Owen voiced concerns about the decision to cut custodian positions by 20 when the district has historically struggled with retaining such staff, as reported by Knox News. The budget shows reductions in certain areas like instruction and office supplies, but the focus remained on compensation.
Superintendent Jon Rysewyk, in his discussion ahead of the board meeting, emphasized the budget's storytelling capacity about the organization's priorities. "It's a historic investment in our people," Rysewyk said, highlighting the importance of having qualified teachers at the helm of education. The new budget plans to bring more than 9,000 employees' salaries up to par with market value in hopes of not only retaining but also attracting top talent, according to an interview held by WVLT.
Before the new salaries can take effect, the budget must clear another hurdle – getting the green light from the Knox County Commission. But if the school board's unanimous vote is any indication, educators in Knox County might soon see a much-deserved bump in their bank accounts.
