The Jefferson County Board of Education will consider Resolution 25-139 next month, which would affirm the district’s intention to participate in Section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 so the district can receive state bonus funds intended for teachers.

Superintendent Dr. Arnold said the resolution is required “in order to receive the funds allocated for these teacher payments,” and described which staff the state statute specifically covers and which it does not. He told the board the state-directed payment is a one-time $2,000 bonus for licensed classroom teachers employed in the 2024–25 school year, but that other staff categories—about 75 certified positions in Jefferson County—appear not to be covered by the statute as written.

Why it matters: The resolution would let the district collect roughly $1.2 million the state is distributing for teacher bonuses, while the board must decide whether and how to supplement payments for staff categories the state excludes. Superintendent Dr. Arnold presented cost estimates and a funding plan for those supplements and for classified staff bonuses.

Dr. Arnold told members the district expects the state funds to be disbursed to districts in mid-to-late summer and that, even if enrollment falls under the new voucher law, a “hold harmless” provision in the voucher legislation means the district would not immediately lose funds year-to-year. He also said the statute defines eligible teachers as licensed instructors who perform the majority of daily instructional duties; guidance counselors and instructional coaches are “up in the air,” he said, and some local positions such as school psychologists and some special-education coordinators “would not receive this state raise.”

On estimated local costs, Dr. Arnold presented a plan the board can vote on next month: paying certified staff not covered by the state an estimated $170,475 (the superintendent said that represents a maximum estimate for roughly 75 positions) and a plan to provide classified employees a one-time $500 bonus for full-time employees and $250 for part-time employees. He said that classified bonus proposal would cost about $335,267 including employer costs. Dr. Arnold recommended using fund balance for any local supplements and noted that, if the district does not spend all budgeted supplement dollars, the unused amounts would revert to fund balance.

Board members pressed for timing and eligibility details. Board member Paul asked whether employees hired after a given date would be eligible; Dr. Arnold said the state language ties eligibility to employment during the 2024–25 school year and that the district can set local parameters for supplements. Board member Manny and others asked how soon the district would receive funds; the superintendent said the earliest the state would distribute funds is likely July or August and that the district would need six to eight weeks after receipt to process bonus payments.

No formal vote was taken. Dr. Arnold asked that the board take action on the resolution at the district’s next business meeting so the district can meet the state’s paperwork requirements.

Ending: The item is scheduled for the board’s next business session; the board will vote then whether to adopt Resolution 25-139 and whether to approve the district’s recommended local supplements and funding source.