7 Million Dollars for School Admins Concerns Commisioner

The information, in light of a recent proposed tax increase, has one local official upset.

"I just want the department of education, Rick Smith, and the school board to justify every penny we’re giving them now before asking the tax payers to make any more sacrifices," said County Commissioner Tim Boyd.

Boyd was responding to the published salary of dozens of Hamilton County administrators salaries, totaling almost 7 million dollars for non-teacher, administrative positions.

"I don’t see how we justify this outstanding teacher making twenty grand less than an administrative assistant at central office. I just can’t justify that," said Boyd.

Superintendent Rick Smith questions the validity of the published salaries.

"We found some very, I will say, uncomfortable information in that list," Smith explained. "For example, there was a deceased lady listed on that list."

Smith is proposing a forty cents per one hundred dollars property tax and he assures the tax increase includes raises for teachers. But it also includes raises for other employees as well.

"All employees will be affected by that depending on what their role and responsibility is," said Smith

Smith will officially propose his tax increase to the county commission in May. Meanwhile, he explains how important the administrators’ roles are.

"They’re incredible, incredible folks that support our schools on a daily basis. And they are necessary."