Board hears plan for Education Freedom Act teacher bonuses; payout likely in August

Rutherford County Board of Education staff presented a draft resolution to participate in section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 so the district can receive state funds for one-time teacher bonuses.

Director of Schools Doctor Sullivan explained the program rules: bonuses apply only to educators who were employed during the 2024–25 school year for at least 120 days and who performed direct instruction at least 50% of the time. The district ran an eligibility report April 15 and said it will refresh the list on May 15 and again June 15 before final uploads.

Doctor Sullivan reviewed the timing and funding mechanics drawn from Tennessee School Boards Association (TSBA) guidance and State Department of Education FAQs. She said the state will “calculate the total payment amount and load funds into ePlan as soon as the funds are available” and that districts should expect to draw down funds in July; staff said a realistic payout to teachers would be in August. The state-per-teacher payment communicated in the presentation was $2,306.60, intended to yield an amount close to $2,000 after typical withholding for a supplemental payment.

Staff noted exclusions and clarifications: bonuses do not apply to principals, most central office staff, classified employees, or teachers first employed after the 2024–25 school year. Teachers who were employed during 2024–25 but later resigned or retired are still eligible if they met the 120-day employment rule for that year. Doctor Sullivan said the district will publish frequently asked questions and the district’s eligibility determinations for transparency.

Ending: The resolution to affirm participation in section 4 was on the work session agenda for review; staff said they will post an FAQ and finalize uploads to the state reports before the June deadline so the district can draw down funds when the state opens ePlan in July.