The Record Speaks

Back in 2012, Sumner County Schools didn't open for 8 days because of a funding dispute between the School Board and the County Commission. The issue was a carry over from 2011 when the Board proposed a budget that required $7 million in additional funds from the County Commission.  That year, the two bodies compromised.  Which is to say the County Commission ultimately provided $500,000 in new money and the Board cut $6.5 million from its proposed budget.  The system no longer provided substitute teachers in middle and high school. Instead, teachers had to cover each other's classes when their were absences.  Textbook orders were delayed.  Technology purchases were put off another year.

And then, in 2012, the Board presented its budget earlier than it had in the 10 years prior.  Commissioner Jerry Stone indicated he was pleased with the most transparent budget process he'd seen during his time on the County Commission. 

But, when the budget was proposed, it required $12 million for full funding.  The County Commission said no. And the School Board said that if the budget wasn't funded, school would not open. 

While the County sat on $30 million in reserve funds, a majority on the County Commission refused to spend even 1 dime from reserve funds to move toward a compromise budget. 

Then, some Commissioners proposed a solution.  A small tax increase that would generate between $3 and $5 million for schools.  This would require either funds from reserves or school board budget cuts.  It was a compromise proposal.  It failed.  16-8.  Here's a picture from the vote count:

And here's the breakdown:

Moe Taylor -- NO (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Mike Akins -- NO (incumbent, running again, unopposed)

Billy Geminden -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)
Shawn Utley -- YES (not running again)

Steve Graves -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)
David Satterfield -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)

Frank Freels -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)
Joe Matthews -- NO (incumbent, running for court clerk)

Ben Harris -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Baker Ring -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)

Paige Brown -- NO (running for Mayor of Gallatin)
Jim Vaughn -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)

Trisha LeMarbre -- YES (incumbent, running again)
Kirk Moser -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)

Paul Decker -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Merrol Hyde -- NO (incumbent, running again, unopposed)

Chris Hughes -- NO (incumbent, not running again)
David Kimbrough -- YES (incumbent, not running again)

Paul Goode -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Jo Skidmore -- NO (incumbent, kicked off of ballot)

Jerry Stone -- NO (incumbent, running again, has opposition)
Paul Freels -- NO (incumbent, not running again)

Michael Guthrie -- YES (incumbent, running again, unopposed)
Bob Pospisil -- NO (incumbent, running again, unopposed)