Lakeland board adopts resolution to accept $2,000 state teacher bonuses

The Lakeland Board of Education on March 3 adopted a resolution authorizing the district to accept funds under the Education Freedom Act of 2025 to distribute $2,000 bonuses to eligible teachers and guidance counselors.

The resolution, introduced at the special-called meeting and approved by voice vote, directs district administration to take the steps required by state law so monies designated by the act can be passed through to classroom teachers and guidance counselors.

Board members said accepting the money does not signify endorsement of the Education Freedom Act. Michelle Childs, speaking during discussion, said the board remains opposed to the broader legislation but did not want teachers to forgo the one-time payment. “I’m not going to oppose our teachers getting said bonus,” Childs said. Vice Chair Jeremy Burnett echoed that distinction, saying the board’s vote was to comply with the statute’s procedural requirement so the district could deliver the bonus to staff.

Members also discussed eligibility. Childs said she had been told preschool teachers are included, though she added she had not seen the inclusion in writing. The board did not amend the resolution; it approved the item as presented.

Outcome and next steps: the board’s voice vote was recorded as passed. Administration will complete any paperwork required by the state to receive the funds and distribute the $2,000 payments to the eligible certificated staff identified under the act.

The item arose under the discussion/action portion of the meeting. Board members raised concerns about the law’s policy implications and sought to make clear the board’s acceptance of funds is procedural and limited to the distribution of bonuses, not an endorsement of the underlying statute.

All formal votes in the meeting used voice tallies and were recorded as passed where indicated; the resolution passed on a voice vote.