School Board to Ask County for Help in Funding Pay Raises for Teachers and Support Staff Based on Years of Service

May 3, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Educators and support staff will be getting larger paychecks based on years of service if the Board of Education’s proposed 2024-25 budget is adopted by the county commission this summer.

During Thursday night’s monthly meeting, the school board approved its new budget with the proposed raises, but it (budget) first has to pass the test of both the county budget committee and full county commission before it takes effect. Under the plan, a $2,000 increase would go to employees with up to 9 years of service; $5,000 for those with 10-19 years; and $6,000 to staff with 20 or more years.

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps will present the new school spending plan to the budget committee on Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. But unlike previous years when the school board absorbed the increased costs of pay hikes from the school budget’s almost $10 million fund balance reserves, this time Cripps and the board will ask the county to ante up some extra money to help fund the raises.

“We are asking the county for help,” said Director Cripps. “I think we have done our due diligence for the nine years I have been here as director. We haven’t asked for an extra penny (more local property tax money) but now we need help,” he said.

A total of 0.5298 cents of the county’s $2.00 property tax rate per $100 of assessed value goes to help fund the DeKalb County School District. That equates to around $62,000 per one cent of the tax levy.

When asked how much extra money the school board would be requesting from the county, Director Cripps replied “we would be happy with whatever we could get at this point”.

The DeKalb County School District employs 234 teachers and other professional personnel as well as 177 support staff and all of them would be eligible to earn more money under the board’s proposal.

According to Director Cripps, entry level pay for teachers locally is now just over $50,000 per year but many teachers who have worked in the system for years are not earning much more than that. One educator speaking at a school board workshop last month said she has been teaching for 28 years and is making $56,000. The school board’s pay proposal in this budget seeks to address issues like that.

“One of the things we have noticed is that there isn’t a great separation from the pay of an individual who starts teaching to those with 20 plus years. Partly because of this we are starting to lose teachers with more experience because they are trying to get their high five,” said Director Cripps. “We (DeKalb County School District) are number 7 in the state with starting out salaries because we are at $50,000 but on the back end of the scale we are lagging in the state”.

During a workshop prior to the school board meeting Thursday night, Director Cripps explained the impact the proposed pay raises would have on the 2024-25 budget.

“If you look at our total budget last year it was $30,440,922. With this (pay raise plan) the budget would be $33, 458, 197 which is about a $3.1 million increase in the budget. We’re getting a little over $28 million from the state and the county,” explained Director Cripps.

“The majority of the budget increases are for raises,” explained Cripps. “We have added a PE teacher at the West School because their numbers have grown. They are growing probably faster than any other school. We are adding a kindergarten teacher and taking on new salaries, including one out of ESSER and two for special education because of the needs of students coming in especially in the elementary, K-5 grade level. I think there are 20 plus kids in CDC at Smithville Elementary and that’s Pre-K to 2. Those numbers are getting to be exceedingly high. We are also looking at putting a CDC or SED classroom at the West School because we are transporting several students from that building to the Middle School, Northside, or Smithville Elementary,” said Director Cripps.

Meanwhile in his monthly report on personnel to the board, Director Cripps said that Cole Dziekiewicz has been granted a leave of absence.

Resignations/Retirements
Suzanne Gash, teacher at DMS, retirement
Tina Gash, teacher at SES, retirement
Jennifer Griffith, teacher at NES, resignation
Brandi Womack, bookkeeper, DWS, resignation

May 3, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County School District is hosting Registration for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten today (Friday, May 3) for the 2024-25 school year.

Pre-Kindergarten registration will be today from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Smithville Elementary and DeKalb West Elementary. (Packet must be picked up from school your child will attend.)

Documents Required for the PreK Application:

Original Certificate of Birth

Current Physical Examination

Current Certification of Immunization

Proof of Income for All Household Members

Proof of Residency

First Priority will be given to children: 4 years old on or before August 15, 2024 and meet income eligibility.

For information call:
Michelle Burklow
615-597-4084

Meanwhile, Smithville Elementary School and DeKalb West School will have Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-25 school year today (Friday, May 3rd) from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. For West School students, registration will be at DeKalb West School. For Smithville Elementary School students, signups will be at the County Complex.

Please bring COPIES of the following documents to Registration:

– Certified copy of the birth certificate

– Current, up-to-date, physical examination and immunization record (These must be on a Tennessee Department of Health Certificate of Immunization, which can be obtained from your doctor’s office or the Health Department)

– Proof of residency for DeKalb County (i.e. gas/electric bill), you must register at your zoned school

– Your child will need to attend (He/She will be assessed (tested) on registration day)

*Children who register to attend kindergarten must turn five years old on or before August 15, 2024.

May 2, 2024
By:

The Tennessee Department of Economic Development through The Tennessee Entertainment Commission is thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership aimed at enhancing the cultural and economic vibrancy of the local community.

“Smithville has done an amazing job building this event over the years to what it is today. They are a true example of how communities can use music to bolster economic development,” stated Jimmy Wheeler, Director of Business Development – Music Office.

The Music Office was established April 2023 to include music to increase economic development throughout the state of Tennessee.

Kim Driver Luton, President of the Jamboree said “Our festival is the official festival for Tennessee. It is so exciting to see economic development recognize the importance of music in Tennessee by sponsoring our event. “.

The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree has been a cherished tradition for over five decades. Each year, it draws musicians, craft artists, and enthusiastic spectators to the heart of DeKalb County. What began as a celebration of Appalachian music and dance has evolved into a broader tribute to the rich cultural heritage. The festival, held annually on the Friday & Saturday nearest Independence Day, highlights the absolute best of traditional artistry. This year’s festival will be held Friday, July 5th – Saturday, July 6th, 2024. For more information about the Jamboree, visit smithvillejamboree.com or call (615) 597-8500. To contact Tennessee Entertainment Commission, the number is (615) 741-3456.