Knox County Commission on June 5, 2023, approved the general county budget, which included the $660.7 million Fiscal Year 2024 general purpose budget for Knox County Schools, as well as the county-wide capital improvement plan (including district construction projects).
The spending plan will make significant investments in crucial areas, including:
- Investments in staff
- 4% base salary increases for all certified and classified staff
- An additional 8% base salary increase for custodians, school clerical, educational assistants, security officers and food service (for a total of 12%)
- Investments in students
- 20 new fulltime-equivalent interventionists (10 behavioral, 10 academic), allocated at 2 schools per region
- 6 new FTEs at Richard Yoakley, KAEC and Ridgedale
- 18 new pre-K positions
- Investments in schools
- An increase in playground investments, from $90,000 (FY23) to $590,000 (FY24)
- Three growth solutions
- Farragut ($4 million)
- Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, Beaumont ($3.4 million)
- South Knoxville ($4.1 million in FY25)
- $3 million in school security investments including locks, video systems, emergency communication and perimeter security
“We are grateful for the strong support of Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and the Knox County Commission in approving this budget,” said superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk. “Knox County Schools is committed to using taxpayer dollars wisely and effectively.
“Access to adequate funding is critically important to making gains in our four district priorities: Excellence in Foundational Skills, Great Educators in Every School, Career Empowerment and Preparation and Success for Every Student. We appreciate our partnership with Knox County and Mayor Jacobs and their ongoing commitment to the success of our students.”
Josh Flory is a multi-media specialist with Knox County Schools and writes the blog Hall Pass for the KCS website.