In a pivotal meeting on May 31, 2025, the Overton County Board of Education laid out significant changes to salary structures for school staff, emphasizing a new three-year contract for educators. The proposed contract includes a minimum starting salary of $100,006.87, with a planned annual increase of 3%, culminating in a final salary of $106,818 by the end of the term.
The discussions highlighted the disparities in salary among different roles within the school system, particularly between supervisors and principals, with some principals earning 11 months of salary compared to the 12 months received by supervisors. The board also addressed the need for adjustments in compensation to remain competitive with neighboring counties, noting that Overton County's salaries would need to increase by $2,500 each year for the next two years to align with regional standards.
The board confirmed that the job postings for these positions will go live by May 28 and remain open for applications for 30 days, closing on June 25. They plan to utilize various platforms, including social media and the school website, to ensure wide visibility for the openings.
As the meeting concluded, the board expressed a commitment to transparency and thoroughness in the hiring process, with plans to collaborate with the School Board Association for verification of qualifications and reference checks. This proactive approach aims to attract qualified candidates and enhance the educational environment in Overton County Schools.