Knox Co. BOE approves budget, MOU

By a 6-3 vote, Knox County school board members agreed Wednesday to approve a pact with county government that features funding for 2 percent raises for teachers and construction of two middle schools.

Members Lynne Fugate, Tracie Sanger and Gloria Deathridge voted in the minority.

The board met Wednesday night in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.

"I am very pleased with the Knox County Board of Education's approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between Knox County and the school system," Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said in a statement. "This agreement will help to ensure increased fiscal responsibility while also providing for much-needed teacher raises and two new middle schools, all without the need for a tax increase."

"I'm excited that the board approved this compromise," Superintendent Jim told WBIR after the vote. "I think it's ultimately going to be good for our children, good for our teachers and good for our community."
The vote didn't come without discussion of concerns, even among board members who ultimately voted "yes."

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