Hamilton Co. PTA Ready to Support Tax Increase for Schools

Hamilton County, TN (WDEF) – The Hamilton County Council of PTAs supports raising taxes if necessary to support the next school budget.
Superintendent Rick Smith is saying that Hamilton County will need more money for the upcoming year.
Here is the PTAs position if a tax increase is called for.

“PTA was created to be an advocacy organization first,” said Council President Dwight Hunter. “Too many times we have stayed quiet, but not this time. Expecting a school system to live off of a 2005-based tax rate is not in the best interest of this county nor its future.”

“It is a real shame that PTA units are being relied upon to provide financial support for art teachers in this county when it is not the PTA’s job to do that. Teachers and school staff need to be funded by government resources, not by PTA fundraisers.” Mr. Hunter said. “PTA is here to advocate for children and youth and to engage families within their schools. We are not here to be a stop-gap funding organization in order to avoid raising taxes.”

The four positions statements approved by the board of managers are available to read on the council’s website at www.hcptacouncil.org/positionstatement.php