Latest news with #KnoxCountySchools
The Hill
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Trump unfroze education funding, but the damage is already done
Summer is when superintendents and principals finalize staffing and allocate resources for the year ahead. Instead, they've spent the past month scrambling to revise budgets and delay decisions after the Trump administration recklessly froze more than $6.8 billion in federal education funds approved by Congress four months ago — a move that unnecessarily threw school planning into chaos with the school year starting in just a few weeks. On June 30, the Education Department abruptly informed states it would not release key fiscal year 2025 education funds as scheduled, affecting programs like teacher training, English learner support and after-school services. After bipartisan backlash — including lawsuits from 24 states and pressure from Republican senators — the administration reversed course on July 25, announcing it would release the remaining funds. But the damage had already been done. The administration claimed the freeze was part of a 'programmatic review' to ensure spending aligned with White House priorities. Yet, the review was conducted without transparency while the funds were only released after intense political pressure. The Education Department stated 'guardrails' would be in place to prevent funds from being used in ways that violate executive orders, which is a vague statement that should raise concerns about future interference. Districts had built their budgets assuming these funds would arrive by July 1, as they do each year. Instead of preparing for the new school year, states and districts were forced to scramble to minimize the damage. In my home state of Texas, nearly 1,200 districts faced a freeze of $660 million, which represented about 16 percent of the state's total K-12 funding. I have spoken to superintendents, chief academic officers and chief financial officers who described how these unanticipated funding deficits undermined strategic investments into high-quality instruction and mental health services. In Tennessee, $106 million was frozen, representing 13.4 percent of the state's K-12 funding. Knox County Schools eliminated 28 central office positions, including staff supporting instruction for English learners. Florida had $400 million frozen. Pinellas County School District alone stood to lose $9 million. The superintendent reported that they would have to make cuts that directly affect student achievement while the school board chair said the freeze 'feels kind of like the straw that broke the camel's back.' Kansas saw $50 million frozen. Kansas City, Kan. Public Schools warned families that $4.9 million in lost funding would affect 'programs that directly support some of our most vulnerable students — including those from low-income families, English language learners and students with disabilities.' Even with the funds now being released, the uncertainty and disruption caused by the freeze will have lasting impacts. In some cases, district leaders were forced to make staffing and programming decisions without knowing whether critical federal support would be unfrozen. All who care about public education must make clear that this kind of reckless disruption is unacceptable and will carry political consequences. Governors from both parties should press their congressional delegations to pass legislation preventing future executive overreach. And Congress must require the Education Department to provide advance notice and justification for any future funding delays. The funding freeze was a reckless policy choice that disrespected educators, destabilized schools and put children at risk. Public education cannot function on the Trump administration's political whims and such unwarranted actions cannot go unchecked without the risk of normalizing executive overreach at the expense of students. Now is the time for all policymakers and educators to stand up for our schools and ensure that no child's education is ever again held hostage to such problematic politics.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Knox Education Foundation CEO stepping down
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The CEO of the Knox Education Foundation is stepping down. Mike Taylor's exit takes effect on June 30, 2025. The foundation has served as an umbrella group to support Knox County Schools through strategic initiatives, grants, and a bunch of programs, like Project Grad, the 865 Academies and One Book – Read City. A release from the nonprofit said Taylor's leadership set them up for long-term success. Second Harvest continues to feel federal cuts impact ahead of summer months 'It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the Knox Education Foundation. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated staff, committed board, and invaluable community partnerships that have made this journey so meaningful. As I prepare to step down, I do so with full confidence that the Foundation will continue to thrive and grow in its mission,' said Taylor. 'We are deeply grateful to Mike for his tireless commitment to our mission,' said Scott Broyles, Chair of the Board of Directors. 'His vision and dedication have laid a strong foundation for the future.' Whataburger to open Knoxville location on Cumberland Avenue Broyles added that the search for the next CEO will get underway with the support of partners and friends, and they plan to remain dedicated to strengthening Knox County's public education. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New events honors Knox County seniors joining the military after graduation
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — For the first time ever, Knox County Schools hosts a special event on Thursday to recognize high school seniors who have chosen to enlist in military service following graduation. Military enlistment is one of the three 'E's' highlighted in the district's 865 Academies initiative. The other two E's are enrolling in postsecondary education and gaining employment in a high-wage career. Reflecting on the Vietnam War: Don Dare shares memories 50 years after fall of Saigon Around 75 Knox County seniors plan to enlist. Jacob Loyacano, a senior at Bearden High School, explained that he chose to enlist after speaking with his grandfather, who served in the Air Force, and learning about the community that being in the military brings. He hopes to become a fire protection specialist in the United States Air Force. 'This is just a lot better opportunity for me. The doors that open up not only while I'm in it, but also while I'm out, and the retirement plan, this is really great and just really suits me the best,' said Loyacano. He said of his JROTC class at Bearden High School, 11 out of the 12 students plan on enlisting. 'I'm very excited. I think it's great that I'm able to serve my country as well as do something I'm very passionate about,' said Loyacano. 'It's been a long time coming, but being able to have this opportunity and serve the country and be able to help build the country that built me, I think that's just an amazing feeling.' Donors boost city efforts to build more affordable housing in Knoxville The celebration was emceed by Good Morning Tennessee anchor Tearsa Smith and included a keynote address by General Arnie Bunch, a retired four-star general and current superintendent of Hamblen County Schools. 'America needs young men and women to serve in our all-volunteer force, and it's critically important that we recognize them. I think it's a fantastic event. The fact that you have so many elected officials, so many community leaders, sponsors and everything, it really shows the young men and women how much they're appreciated and what they're doing, not only for the community, but also when they wear the uniform for the nation,' said Bunch. 'It's really just an honor, especially having a four-star here and all these other distinguished guests, it's just an amazing opportunity,' said Loyacano. Veterans Voices: Hear the stories of those who served Loyacano told 6 News that after he retires from the military, he hopes to come back to the Knoxville area and work at a local fire department. He also hopes to get his degree further down the road. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
$700M Knox County Schools budget proposal includes additional $19.7M for staff
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Knox County Schools released their budget proposal totaling $700.5 million in spending, around 3.1% more than last year. With an estimated 57,972 students, this equals about $12,083 per student. KCS predicts they will have around 500 fewer students in fiscal year 2026 than in 2025. Knox County School Board to discuss building new $43.7M elementary school The budget increase is smaller than in 2022 (6.7%), 2023 (9.1%) and 2024 (11.7%), although it is slightly larger than the increase in 2025 (2.8%). They explained that the revenue growth was 'anomalous' after the COVID-19 pandemic and that the new budget increase will bring them closer to pre-pandemic growth. Most of the increase in the new budget — $19.7 million — will go to staff salaries and benefits. They said they are trying to maintain competitive pay rates and market-value wages. Salaries, wages, employee benefits and payroll taxes make up about 85% of the budget. Salary increases were also included in the budget for the fiscal year 2025, bringing Knox County closer in line with a Tennessee law that requiring teachers to receive at least $50,000 annually. The report explains that revenue was less than anticipated, so KCS made 'strategic reductions' equivalent to cutting 23.5 positions in the district office. This allowed them to 'focus dollars closest to students,' KCS explains. The budget also eliminates the Night Alternative Program, replacing it with virtual instruction. Knox County Schools to vote on price increase for meals Half the revenue for KCS comes from local sources including sales tax and property taxes, while 49% comes from state revenue and 1% from other sources. KCS is also voting on whether or not to raise the prices of school lunches which would provide about $895,000 in revenue. The budget also includes a capital improvement plan with $18.5 million marked for facilities upgrades. This includes major HVAC system replacements for two schools, new cooling towers for four schools, a new gymnasium for Gresham Middle School (the current one having been built in the 1930s). 9148_FY26BudgetBook_Final_04.23.2025Download In the report, KCS boasted that third through fifth grade reading proficiency has risen 9% while math increased 6% over the last three years. They also said that graduation rates rose from 89.7% to 93% over the same timeframe. Knox County Schools releases 2025 graduation schedule They said that while the last three years were characterized by 'restructuring, reimagining, and innovating,' the new budget will be 'grounded in stability and predictability.' The Board of Education are scheduled to vote on the budget on April 29 while the County Commission voting meeting is expected to be in May or June of 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Parents react to proposed price increase for school meals in Knox County
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As Knox County Schools prepares to vote on their budget for next school year, a price increase has been proposed for school lunches. Included in the proposed budget is a plan to add .25 to .50 cents on various student lunches. Some parents are concerned, saying after a year that will add up quickly. Children who eat at school twice a day could be spending up to $135 more a year. 'The school lunches is sometimes the only lunch that children might get. I don't know their parents financial situation. I only know my own, and I think maybe a lot of kids could really benefit from a free lunch,' said KCS parent Laura Buffalo. 'Eggs are triple what they were': Shoppers see increase in cost of celebrating Easter Buffalo's daughter is currently in the 3rd grade, and she said she often eats school lunches. With grocery prices increasing, it was always something she knew they could fall back on. 'We still live paycheck to paycheck.' she said. 'I feel like that's what maybe a lot of other families also live paycheck to paycheck, because the economy, everything has increased immensely.' But it is this economic shift that Heidi Foster, another Knox County Schools parent, says could be contributing to the increase. 'Obviously with our economy that it is and grocery store prices and things like that, I feel like it's probably the best thing that they can do,' Foster said. In Tuesday's budget meeting, that was one of the reasons KCS Assistant Superintendent of Operations Garfield Adams attributed this increase to along with the proposed price being comparable to surrounding school systems. Knoxville's Gateway Coffee shop helping people in recovery gain job skills 'I know that might hurt some families, but I think right now everyone's hurting a little bit,' said Foster. 'but I mean, I understand their viewpoint.' While Buffalo agrees the school may need to spend more to provide meals for students, she said the budget could be redistributed. 'But here, when they're talking about building an extra Farragut school in a place that's already chaotic traffic-wise, instead of taking the $4 million for that and putting it towards school lunches or breakfasts,' said Buffalo. ▶ See more top stories on According to KCS the projected revenue from this change would bring in roughly $900,000 to the school system. The Knox County School Board will not vote on their budget until April 29th. Once approved, it will then be sent to Knox County Commission, who will vote around the end of June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
