Germantown Board affirms teacher bonus under Education Freedom Act despite opposing voucher policy

The Germantown Municipal School District Board of Education voted unanimously March 26 to adopt a resolution affirming the district’s participation in Section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 so eligible educators may receive a one-time $2,000 bonus funded by the state.

Board member Mr. Curry moved adoption of the resolution and Mr. Hendricks Jr. seconded. The motion passed by roll call with Mr. Curry, Mr. Ellis, Mr. Hendricks Jr. and Vice Chair Strain voting yes.

Board members used the discussion period to separate support for the teacher bonus from support for the larger voucher law that created the bonus. "I wanna be crystal clear for our community," Mr. Curry said. He called the legislation "fiscally irresponsible overall" but said he would vote for the resolution so educators would receive the bonus. "I will be voting for this in order for our teachers to get the money that they deserve," he added.

Other board members echoed that position. Mr. Ellis and Vice Chair Strain said the board would accept the bonus while continuing to oppose the voucher program; Strain urged residents to read the full resolution and noted the vote was "about the teachers and making sure that, we get you what you rightfully deserve, while maintaining our, steadfast opposition against the voucher bill." The board did not adopt any language rescinding its opposition to the voucher law.

The resolution was presented as an administrative measure required so state funds can be distributed; board members said the one-time payment and associated payroll tax coverage come from the state and have no direct cost to the district.

No changes to district policy or ongoing funding commitments were enacted; the action affirmed the district’s intent to accept the state-distributed one-time payments as provided under the Education Freedom Act of 2025.

The board moved on to other business after the roll call vote.