Rhodes Backs Teacher Pay Raise

7th District Sumner County Commissioner Gene Rhodes took to Facebook yesterday to announce his support for a plan to raise teacher pay in Sumner County by $4000:

There has been a lot of back and forth over social media lately in regards to the upcoming budget vote and the teachers pay raise. I myself am a single father of 2 boys who attend Sumner County Schools. I understand what it takes to live on a budget and to be frugal. When I was running for office, I always said That I have to put my personal feelings aside and make the best decision for our county. I want to let everyone know they I am in FULL support of the proposed tax rate that the Budget committee passed on Monday night and I and 100% supportive of the $4000.00 teacher raise. I encourage you to contact all commissioners and beg them to support this. We want this great county to continue to move in a positive direction. Why do you want to go backwards? I also encouraged you to not listen to the small few who only tell you what they think they know and make up a lot of misinformation. I hope everyone has a blessed day.

The vote by Sumner County Commission is scheduled to occur on Monday, August 19th at 7:00 PM.

For more on news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner County, follow @HvilleNews

The Case for Raising Teacher Pay

As the Sumner County Commission prepares to consider a proposal to raise teacher pay and fund other key items - a move which would require a tax increase -- this graphic explains why the school system is making a push to raise pay.

To put it simply: Our stating pay is significantly lower than nearby counties and our teachers face a $3000-$4000 pay deficit compared to peer districts over their careers.


For more on news impacting Hendersonville and Sumner County, follow @HvilleNews

Got news? Email us: newshendersonville@gmail.com 

School Board Study Session Tonight

The Sumner County School Board will hold a study session tonight at 6PM at the Board Office at 695 East Main Street in Gallatin.

The agenda includes discussion and vote on bids related to Burrus Elementary and a discussion of a differentiated pay plan for teachers. The state has mandated that districts develop a differentiated pay plan as a way to move toward merit pay for teachers. Tonight will be the first public discussion of the district's proposal.