Washington County Schools cuts budget request, coach supplements

Washington County Schools amended its proposed fiscal year 2027 budget Thursday after county commissioners rejected the district's initial request over concerns about a nearly $4 million increase in spending. The Washington County Board of Education voted during its May 7 meeting to approve revisions to the budget request before sending it back to the Washington County Budget Committee for further consideration. The revised proposal removes previously discussed increases for coaching supplements and cuts three proposed special education teaching positions. Board members also reduced a proposed raise for non-certified employees from $1 per hour to 50 cents per hour. The amended budget adds $1 million in anticipated sales tax revenue and includes additional funding for health insurance costs. The changes come after the Washington County Budget Committee rejected the district's original request, which sought a $3,885,894 increase over the fiscal year 2026 budget. During earlier discussions with commissioners, Director of Schools Jerry Boyd said the increase was driven by mandatory teacher salary increases, health insurance costs, bus replacements and maintaining classroom resources and materials. A major portion of the request involved raising starting teacher salaries to $50,000 to comply with new state requirements for the 2026-27 school year. The original proposal included several options for increasing coaching supplements after district officials determined Washington County Schools lagged behind neighboring systems in supplemental pay for athletic and non-athletic positions. Boyd told board members during a special called meeting that head coaching supplements in some cases were roughly half of what comparable positions received in nearby districts. The district had also proposed a 3% salary increase for system management positions and the $1 per hour raise for non-certified employees. Budget Committee Chair Richard Tucker previously said approving the district's request would likely require a tax increase because county officials would also need to match any increase provided to Washington County Schools with equal funding for Johnson City Schools. In other business Thursday, the board unanimously approved naming the gymnasium at David Crockett High School in memory of Hobart Powell following a recommendation from the board's special projects committee. The next Washington County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 4 at the central office, located at 405 W. College St. in Jonesborough.