News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Overton County School Board Tuesday night approved $2,000 teacher bonuses that are part of the state’s new Freedom Education Act.
School Board Member Mitch Stonecipher said he is glad the teachers will get the bonuses they deserve. However, Stonecipher also voiced his displeasure about the school board having to pass a resolution for the teachers to receive their bonuses.
“I think it’s a negative for rural communities,” Stonecihper said. “And I think that the fact that we are having to vote to approve a resolution endorsing the bonus is kind of a back in your face from state officials because we did oppose it from the beginning.”
School Board Member Ricky Dodson said he wanted to make it clear to everyone that the board was just approving the bonuses and not supporting anything else about the Freedom Education Act.
Director of Schools Donnie Holman said it is sad that staff outside of teachers would not be able to receive a similar bonus.
“Just the classroom teachers,” Holman said. “So I think there will be several in our district that won’t get it. You know, like administrators, counselors, and so forth.”
Overton County Education Association President Jennifer Eilender said the document from the state said the bonuses would be given out to teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. Eilender said the definition of teacher is tied into the same definition of an existing educator from the Technology Student Association (TSA).
“I don’t know how they define existing educator in TSA,” Eilender said. “But maybe it will be enough for everybody, I hope. I hope that it’s mixed signals.”
School Board Chair William Abston said he hopes the state will clarify which teachers will qualify for the bonuses. Support Staff Crystal Nelson said the bonuses are to be paid in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
In other business, the board approved a Cumberland Rehabilitation Service contract for occupational therapy services. Holman said the school system was using a company called Kids First for the services, but the company is no longer doing occupational services.
The board approved the 2nd reading of the TSBA recommended promotion and retention policy.
