The Cumberland County Board of Education will hold a special-called meeting on April 16 to vote on new certified pay scales. At the April 2 meeting (which can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOD8mxpu62E), the board reviewed options but could not vote due to changes regarding scales and insurance. The current scales have been unbalanced for years due to actions by multiple prior boards, and the present board aims to create a fair, balanced structure going forward.

The memorandum of understanding with the union is open, so the board has been discussing options with the Cumberland County Education Association (CCEA). Teachers reviewed options A and B in February and shared concerns. Jon Matthews (7th District) moved, seconded by Travis Cole (8th District), to recommend Chairman Scott VanWinkle’s linear model, which starts at $51,000 with $625 annual steps. This flexible template can adjust to new state rules and uses TISA funding for the board’s share of the steps.

The April 16 agenda includes a resolution to reconstruct the salary schedule, set the $51,000 base, and implement the linear model, plus votes on supplements for special education teachers. The work session begins at 4 p.m. at the Central Services building (368 Fourth St., Crossville), followed by the special-called meeting. Public comments are limited to three minutes; sign-up is available on-site and must follow policy 1.404. The full agenda is online.