The Knox County Board of Education has postponed a vote on the superintendent's budget proposal until April 30.
Board member Terry Hill made a motion for the delay during the board's meeting Wednesday night, saying she wanted more time to get information about possible state funding the district could receive for projects like school security. That would free up more local money in the general fund budget.
"We've know all along that it was going to be a tough year with a budget shortfall," Hill said. "Probably, we are not the only district in the state that's dealing with this."
She said the district is dealing with increased costs from the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System and an increase in health insurance premiums.
The board approved Hill's motion, and will now vote on the budget proposal at a special called meeting on April 30.
The board's lawyer said the deadline to send the budget to the county mayor is May 1.
The budget proposal has drawn opposition from supporters of magnet school programs and Project GRAD. Superintendent Bob Thomas has recommended cutting funding from those programs.
Hundreds of parents, teachers and school faculty attended the board of education's work session on Monday to show their support for the magnet programs and Project GRAD.
Wednesday, there was much of the same.
"I was really encouraged," Green Magnet Academy Principal Jessica Holman said about the community support. "I do think that it's wise on their part to reconsider, clearly the community has spoken out against this proposed budget."
She said her students would miss out on a robotics lab, virtual reality goggles and hands-on, creative lessons.
"We really provide opportunities for students to get involved and get excited about STEM," Holman said.
Project GRAD Board Chair Stephanie Welch said the program increases the chance for students to go to college.
"There obviously are many perspectives coming from the community about some of the cuts that have been made," Welch said.
Holman and Welch hope the board will find a way to avoid the cuts.
"We just have to cross that bridge when we come to it," Hill said.
If the state doesn't have clearer budget numbers, Hill said they'll have to move forward anyway.
Superintendent Thomas sent 10News the following statement in response to the board's decision to postpone the budget vote:
"I think Ms. Hill and other board members made some very good points that address several of our budget challenges, and I think it’s wise for them to take the additional time in order to make a more informed decision. This will also allow time for the district to receive the first BEP estimate, which will give us a clearer picture of revenue from the state."