Hamilton County Schools facing budget cuts; exceptional education jobs in jeopardy

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Could there be a cut to exceptional education in Hamilton County?

It is possible because of the upcoming budget.

Hamilton County Schools will have to make staff cuts after a COVID-era grant expired.

That adds up to 30 million dollars.

This could lead to teachers being transferred, teaching assistants being laid off and  programs being consolidated. 

First term school board member Felice Hadden say these cuts hit close to home.

“These students with disabilities are our neediest students, and as a former special education teacher, I know how challenging it is to meet their needs and there are legal requirements for us to be in compliance with meeting their needs. So, I am just hoping they would allow principals some flexibility in cutting some positions in other areas,” said Hadden.

This topic will be debated at Thursday night’s school board meeting.