GALLATIN, Tenn. -
In an emergency meeting Tuesday night, the Sumner County school board voted for classes to begin on Thursday following a recommendation by Director of Schools Del Phillips.
Classes have been delayed for more than a week as school officials and the county commission worked to approve a budget.
Sumner County school officials and the county commission previously agreed to reallocate $800,000 for the 2012-2013 school year during a meeting on Monday night.
"If we don't work together to find some long term solutions, we're going to be right back in this boat next July," Phillips said.
All board members but Shannon Dunn voted to open the schools on Thursday without a budget set.
"I have to know what's on that budget [and] what's going to go, before I open that [school] door for me personally," Dunn said.
Staffing cuts could be likely for the school district.
"We'll have to go through the budget process to make cuts and I already know that," Phillips said.
Several county commission members, alongside parents and teachers were in attendance at Tuesday's meeting.
Parents like Kelley Hibbs had mixed emotions about the board's decision to open the schools without a budget.
"I'm disappointed, but I'm excited too. I've got a child that's starting eighth grade. She needs to get back in school, but I'm glad this has opened up the eyes to our whole county," Hibbs said.
A finalized school calendar for the year will be set by next Tuesday.
Both the county commission and the school board are scheduled to meet early next week to continue discussion on the budget.
Previous Stories:
- August 13, 2012: Sumner County parents ask for tax hike
- August 12, 2012: Sumner County businesses rally to support school system
- August 10, 2012: Emergency meeting called to discuss Sumner County school budget
- August 9, 2012: Parents flood school board meeting to discuss Sumner County budget
- August 8, 2012: Sumner County sits on unused money, Schools remain closed
- August 8, 2012: School funding stalemate drags on in Sumner County
- August 7, 2012: Sumner County's delayed school year could affect sports teams
- August 6, 2012: Still no start date for schools in Sumner County
- August 5, 2012: Sumner County parents to rally in response to closed schools
- August 2, 2012: Sumner County school year delayed until budget reached
- July 16, 2012: Sumner County Commission wants school budget cut
|
