Teacher raises and new jobs in school board budget

Dr. Robertson proposes his first budget as school superintendent

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Dr. Justin Robertson has officially submitted his first budget as the leader of Hamilton County Schools.

This is just his “wish-list” budget that will have to work its way through the School Board and then the Hamilton County Commission.

The Superintendent is including pay raises and new positions to compete in the current economy.

“As inflation rises and the job market becomes more competitive, it is imperative that we continue to invest in, retain, and take care of our employees who are the core of everything we do.”

Here are some of the “asks” in Dr. Robertson’s budget:

— 2% salary increase

— Step increase

— Starting pay of $15 per hour for classified staff

— 10 additional teacher positions for English as New Language

— 2 additional CTE teacher positions and 1 coordinator for new Construction Career Center at Garber

— 6 school based AP administrative positions

School Board member Rhonda Thurman commented that they are also going to have to address pay concerns for other jobs too.

“I’m even hearing now that we’re having a hard time getting umpires for ball games. We’re not paying enough.. our kids are not getting to play ball.. I think I got 3 notices today, 3 games that have been cancelled because they couldn’t get umpires.”

Superintendent Robertson says “These moves allow us to better compete for the talent necessary to keep our school system moving forward, and it demonstrates the value we put on those who have kept us moving forward through the challenges of the past two years.”