Millington board affirms participation in Education Freedom Act section to secure $2,000 teacher payments, while reiterating opposition to vouchers

The Millington Municipal School Board of Education voted to adopt Resolution 2025-01, affirming that the district will participate in section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 so eligible teachers can receive a $2,000 payment provided under that law.

Board members who spoke during the discussion said the board opposes vouchers but did not want that opposition to prevent district teachers from receiving the state-authorized payment. District staff noted the state’s definition of ‘‘teacher’’ for this program follows the existing educator language in Tennessee Code Annotated and that final lists of eligible staff would be determined after the state provides its data pull. Staff warned that the timing of the state payment and employment changes (transfers, retirements or new hires) will create administrative questions about who receives the payment and when.

Why it matters: the resolution was intended to ensure Millington teachers receive the one-time payment authorized by the state law even as the board maintains a policy position opposing vouchers. The board’s motion says it does not support vouchers but will sign the required local resolution so teachers are eligible for the $2,000 amount described in the state statute. District staff identified pre-K teachers, interventionists, counselors, library media specialists and staff providing direct instruction listed as teachers under the state staffing system as likely to be included; administrators and supervisory instructional staff were described as excluded.

Board members asked staff to monitor guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education about exactly which positions qualify and how the state will deliver funds. The board voted in favor of the resolution by roll call.