Knox County School Board prepares to revamp salary structure

Knox County Schools officials are proposing a $39 million plan to ensure all district employees are paid competitively with their peers in other counties. A recent study revealed that Knox County employees make nearly 9% less than the market minimum.

Scott Bolton, the district’s director of human resources operations, assured that no employee would make less than before, with the goal of bringing everyone to “market value.” This move would align salaries with other education employees, adjusted for the cost of living in Knox County.

If approved at the upcoming board meeting, the pay raises would take effect on July 1. The new salary schedule aims to meet a state law requiring Tennessee teachers to earn at least $50,000 a year by 2026-27. This adjustment would mean a starting salary of over $47,000 for teachers with a bachelor’s degree and about $50,700 for those with a master’s degree.

The plan, costing taxpayers $39 million, is expected to enhance employee recruitment and retention. Paula Hancock, president of the Knox County Education Association, expressed excitement over the proposal, emphasizing the respect it brings to the teaching profession.

The district also approved incentives for teacher retention and recruitment in Region 5 schools, with extended contracts being part of the plan. The study highlighted the need for consistent salary increases and competitive pay rates to attract and retain quality educators in Knox County Schools.