Concerned residents from around Obion County packed the County Courthouse Courtroom in Union City on Monday night.
The crowd came to hear the cause, and possible solution, to a financial crisis facing the Obion County School System.
While no votes were taken, and no decisions made during the orientation session, it was made clear immediately that no one wanted to see any schools closing in the system.
During the almost two hour orientation meeting between the County School Board and County Commission, attendees were addressed by Director of Schools Tim Watkins and former County Budget Committee Chairman Danny Jowers.
Director Watkins went over a number of issues and rising costs that have effected the system, which included mandated teacher salaries, insurance, increased costs for new buses, an increase in home school students and overall loss of students.
With the County Commission serving as the funding body for the school system, Jowers explained the funds currently provided to the system, but stressed the need for a long overdue property tax increase to raise additional revenue.
To maintain the current status of the seven school district, Director Watkins told those in attendance the system would need a combination of additional school cuts and $2-million dollars over the new two year budget cycle.
Jowers called upon the school board to review their options, while it was proposed for the county Budget Committee to meet with Director Watkins and possibly seek help from the State Legislature.
Following the meeting, County Mayor Steve Carr called the meeting “very civil and informative”.
Mayor Carr said it was his hope that solutions can be reached to solve the financial issue, which would avert any changes in the current status of the school system.
(photos: Charles Choate – 104.9 KYTN/105.7 WQAK)
