A budget battle between the Sumner County Commission and the School Board gave students an extra 8 days of vacation. Just because school is back in session, doesn't mean the budget debate is over. A monster pile of spaghetti and busy work in the cafeteria is a sure sign that school is back in session in Sumner County. Children at Beech Elementary spent part of their day introducing themselves to each other and sharing stories of an extended summer vacation.

"Smiling faces are back in the building," says Principal Bobby Elrod. "It's good for it not to be empty anymore."

Principal Elrod is excited to have his students back, even if it's over a week later than planned.

"We knew it was inevitable that we would start school one day," says Principal Elrod. "Just never knew when it was going to be."

Parents like Sarah Andrews are happy as well. Her daughters are starting kindergarten and 2nd grade.

"I think she's excited to go to school with her sister," says Andrews.

Beginning the year with the budget still up in the air is not the way she wanted to start.

"I'm glad for the routine of it," says Andrews. "I'm still a little disappointed that the Commission hasn't fully funded our budget."

Unless more money is released, Sumner County Schools will need to cut $2 million from their budget. Some parents worry their favorite teachers could be victims.

"Yes we are," says Andrews. "And they're like family so it's hard."

Administrators are still optimistic.

"What I've been talking to my teachers about is just hoping that they find some more money," says Principal Elrod. "Or we'll have to work the budget in a different way so it will effect the budget as least as possible."

Until then, there's plenty of catching up to do. The Sumner County School Board will also determine how to make up the 8 missed school days on the calendar. The state requires that they have 180 total school days.Sumner County Budget Debate Still Not Over