Hitting the ground running, Henderson seeks teacher pay hike
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With her children and parents in the background observing, Betsy Henderson was sworn in as new District 6 Board of Education representative during a ceremony in the Andrew Johnson Building Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 2. Assisting in the oath of office ceremony by holding the Bible is her husband, Scott Henderson. - Photos submitted
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Joining the new representative are her parents, Victor and Rebecca Kampas, and the Hendersons’ children, Logan and Molly. Judge Kyle A. Hixson, not pictured, administered the oath of office. - Photos submitted
Betsy Henderson hit the ground running mere minutes after being sworn in as the new Knox County Board of Education representative for District 6 Wednesday, Dec. 2, as this Hardin Valley resident — winning in her first run for an elected-office seat — immediately took part in an hour-long BOE work session.
She then traveled to Nashville Thursday, Dec. 3, for a two-day new BOE member orientation.
Henderson, who already had been attending work sessions and BOE meetings prior to her election victory Nov. 3, said she was well-prepared.
“I had studied the agenda the day before and thought I might be more of an observer for the first one, but one thing I did bring up is that I believe the Board should revisit the budget’s general fund,” she said in a phone interview Thursday, Dec. 3.
“State tax revenues have been higher than anticipated, and I suggested we look at possibly investing additional dollars into teacher pay, helping bring it more in line with other regions.
“I think we should be competitive,” she added about teachers pay. “It keeps up morale and helps us recruit new teachers, too.”
The continuing COVID-19 community spread also was discussed, Henderson said.
“I believe the topic was to be added to (this) week’s (regular BOE meeting) agenda concerning the new guidelines that have been released by the Centers for Disease Control,” she said.
Previously, the CDC had suggested 14-day quarantines, but as of Wednesday, Dec. 2, the organization shortened the guidelines to 10 days; seven days for those testing negative.
“Our schools have done a wonderful job during this time, and as a parent, especially, I have been happy with how the schools, the teachers, the custodians and staff have all worked hard to implement the plan.”
Henderson defeated challengers Robin “Rob” Gray and Hannah Kirby during the special election on Election Day Nov. 3 to win the seat vacated earlier this year when incumbent Terry Hill — who had served since 2014 — was elected as 6th District Knox County Commissioner in August.
Henderson received 11,274 votes and was the top vote getter in all nine precincts in her district, which stretches from Norwood and Cumberland Estates through Ball Camp and Karns into Hardin Valley and northern Farragut.
“I’m so honored to have received so much support and encouragement from our community,” she said following the election. “I look forward to continuing my service to the community in this new role.
“I want to ensure that our parents have a voice,” she added. “I will work to empower our teachers, parents and principals to tailor our schools to fit the needs of our children.
Praise for predecessor
Henderson also praised her predecessor.
“Terry has been an outstanding School Board member,” she said. “I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for our community and the support she has given me.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with her and build on all of her success while bringing my own perspective to the position,” Henderson added.
