Trousdale County board approves preliminary 2026-27 budgets, Chromebook contract and three full‑time positions

The Trousdale County Board of Education approved its preliminary 2026‑27 general-purpose school fund budget, a school food-service budget that includes a $125,000 contingency transfer, awarded a Chromebook procurement bid and created three full‑time positions during its regular meeting.

Administration said the preliminary general-purpose budget must be submitted to the county commission by May 1. The board discussed pay increases included in the package: administrators were slated for a 1% raise, and certified teachers and noncertified staff were included for a 3% raise if the budget was approved. “We have put in pay raises for everybody this time. Administrators will be getting a 1% raise. Certified teachers and non certified staff will get a 3% raise if this is approved,” staff reported.

On technology procurement, the board reviewed two bids and approved a recommendation to award the Chromebook purchase to Byte Speed; staff presented per-unit pricing of $357 for non-touch models (used by upper grades) and $378 for touchscreen devices (for younger grades). The motion to award the bid passed by voice vote.

The board also approved the school food-service budget and a $125,000 transfer from the general-purpose fund to cover increased food costs; the board noted they were reserving the funds now but may not need to use them if federal help is provided.

On personnel, trustees created three full-time positions to address operational needs: a maintenance and transportation director at $65,000, a supervisor position at $92,971.60 and a full‑time speech pathologist at $70,000. Each position was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

What’s next: The budgets approved tonight are preliminary; final numbers may change after the state budget is set and the board receives updated revenue figures. The board said it will update budgets and staffing decisions as required by state process.