Kingsport board to accept teacher bonuses under Education Freedom Act while formally opposing vouchers

The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education on March 11 approved a resolution stating the district’s intention to participate in Section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 to accept teacher bonuses while also reaffirming the board’s formal opposition to the Education Freedom Act itself and to school vouchers.

Dr. True presented a draft resolution that reflected board feedback from a prior work session; staff said the resolution affirms participation in the section of the law that provides bonuses for teachers but explicitly records the board’s opposition to the broader voucher program. The resolution text and the board’s action were included in the meeting packet.

During discussion, board members expressed concern about unanswered questions at the state level and the likely effects on programs including athletics and services for students with special needs. One public commenter, Chrissy Brown, thanked the board for opposing vouchers and raised concerns about how vouchers could affect her special-needs student; board members said they will continue to advocate for adequate funding at the state and local level and encouraged constituents to contact legislators and vote on the issue.

The board voted to approve the resolution by voice vote; individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the transcript. Staff said the district will continue to educate and support all students and will monitor legislative developments and state guidance related to voucher implementation and special-education funding.