HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. - After 10 days of debate over budget issues, school officials decided that Sumner County Schools will open on Thursday.
During a school board meeting held Tuesday night, officials voted nearly unanimously to open schools on Thursday, August 16. Board members said even though they don't have a fully funded budget, they still believe the best thing for the district is to open schools.
Sumner County schools were supposed to open August 6, but a dispute over the budget forced school members to delay the start of school.
Originally, board members asked commissioners for an additional $6.7 million to cover increasing costs associated with a growing district. Last Monday night, county commissioners countered with a one-time offer of $2.2 million.
Tuesday's vote came the day after Sumner County Commissioners allocated $800,000 additional dollars for the school system. Commissioners argued there was no more money to give, while the school board said without a fully funded budget they will have to make personnel cuts.
"We're disappointed, we didn't get money from commission, but I feel like the board did everything they could," said one parent who attended the meeting.
Director of Schools Dr. Del Phillips encouraged board members to continue to work with commissioners to find a more permanent funding solution. While classrooms may open, the budget battle is still far from over.
Since the budget is not fully funded, board members expect positions will be cut, but would not elaborate on how many.
The board did not discuss the school schedule, or layoffs. They will be discussing details in a meeting next Tuesday.
Past Stories
- Aug. 13, 2012: Battle Over Sumner Co. School Budget Rages On
- Aug. 10, 2012: Sumner County Budget Battle Could Impact Athletics
- Aug. 10, 2012: Students Rally For Sumner Co. Schools
- Aug. 9, 2012: Sumner Co. School Board Revises Budget, Sends To Commission
- Aug. 7, 2012: Debate Over Sumner Co. School Start Date, Budget Continues
- Aug. 6, 2012: No School Opening In Sight For Sumner County
- Aug. 5, 2012: Sumner County School Employees' Jobs Remain in Limbo
- Aug. 3, 2012: Emergency Meeting Called To Discuss Sumner Co. Schools Budget
- Aug. 2, 2012: First Day Of School Delayed Indefinitely In Sumner County
