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Board approves resolution to implement Education Freedom Act teacher incentive
Summary
Blount County's board approved a resolution implementing section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 to allow teachers to receive a $2,000 incentive; the action drew criticism from a public commenter who called the law discriminatory.
The Blount County Board of Education voted to adopt a local resolution implementing section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 that allows teachers to receive a $2,000 incentive by participating in the program.
The resolution was presented on the agenda and, after brief discussion and public comment, the board approved it by roll-call vote. Public commenter Dustin Park criticized the state law and said it would channel funds toward private schools while harming vulnerable students; he noted an amendment he watched fail on the House floor that, in his view, would have required participating private schools not to discriminate against students with disabilities.
Board members who discussed the item said the resolution authorizes local participation in the section of the law that provides the incentive; financial details and implementation are tied to state guidance and will follow the statute and administrative direction from state agencies.
The board recorded a roll-call vote with members present recorded as voting "Yes."
