[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6088445,"mediaKeyId","2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472","parentId",2880419,"title","Jefferson County board to consider resolution allowing state $2,000 teacher bonus despite prior opposition to vouchers","audioSeconds",726,"startMs",1694000,"endMs",2420000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472&start=1694&end=2420","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472/thumbnail_1694000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6088445/Tennessee/Jefferson-County-board-to-consider-resolution-allowing-state-2000-teacher-bonus-despite-prior-opposition-to-vouchers","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088445-eea07e20ef5171ac17a9877f1e9c3868/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521141&Signature=RQdpTRKTOou~t6Q4yCd5WRzJ03jp-7OnXWUDNV8JciFssP~UBtCTlByR8KkimwY~U3kcSU8hPN8lYzVUs6BAcuRjdPGKEU1HtYgIAHsDT5F099Opsi5heHQUUW7SC3uOH1UgHxmCmDutRrXuP7SbeR2xsAbqqkJDM-htRJnGbhWuppkfkEU-~lQvdCVawIcxmKEESegIUHUMhdPL97jF63rfgPGd3KozQT9RCeDanYa4lOVF0KnCSKqyHF462kAkLwcFGranjeFJybVFK73XmHNi6gdhZExHxMQK9MA6hPcg~oLYruRUYvQqnHdxXWup203v9Vv6lY0GFPnP6Fc1Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Jefferson County Schools","date","2025-04-05T05:11:16.09Z","article","The Jefferson County Board of Education will consider Resolution 25-139 next month, which would affirm the district’s intention to participate in Section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 so the district can receive state bonus funds intended for teachers.

Superintendent Dr. Arnold said the resolution is required “in order to receive the funds allocated for these teacher payments,” and described which staff the state statute specifically covers and which it does not. He told the board the state-directed payment is a one-time $2,000 bonus for licensed classroom teachers employed in the 2024–25 school year, but that other staff categories—about 75 certified positions in Jefferson County—appear not to be covered by the statute as written.

Why it matters: The resolution would let the district collect roughly $1.2 million the state is distributing for teacher bonuses, while the board must decide whether and how to supplement payments for staff categories the state excludes. Superintendent Dr. Arnold presented cost estimates and a funding plan for those supplements and for classified staff bonuses.

Dr. Arnold told members the district expects the state funds to be disbursed to districts in mid-to-late summer and that, even if enrollment falls under the new voucher law, a “hold harmless” provision in the voucher legislation means the district would not immediately lose funds year-to-year. He also said the statute defines eligible teachers as licensed instructors who perform the majority of daily instructional duties; guidance counselors and instructional coaches are “up in the air,” he said, and some local positions such as school psychologists and some special-education coordinators “would not receive this state raise.”

On estimated local costs, Dr. Arnold presented a plan the board can vote on next month: paying certified staff not covered by the state an estimated $170,475 (the superintendent said that represents a maximum estimate for roughly 75 positions) and a plan to provide classified employees a one-time $500 bonus for full-time employees and $250 for part-time employees. He said that classified bonus proposal would cost about $335,267 including employer costs. Dr. Arnold recommended using fund balance for any local supplements and noted that, if the district does not spend all budgeted supplement dollars, the unused amounts would revert to fund balance.

Board members pressed for timing and eligibility details. Board member Paul asked whether employees hired after a given date would be eligible; Dr. Arnold said the state language ties eligibility to employment during the 2024–25 school year and that the district can set local parameters for supplements. Board member Manny and others asked how soon the district would receive funds; the superintendent said the earliest the state would distribute funds is likely July or August and that the district would need six to eight weeks after receipt to process bonus payments.

No formal vote was taken. Dr. Arnold asked that the board take action on the resolution at the district’s next business meeting so the district can meet the state’s paperwork requirements.

Ending: The item is scheduled for the board’s next business session; the board will vote then whether to adopt Resolution 25-139 and whether to approve the district’s recommended local supplements and funding source.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","School Board Meeting 3-24-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Jefferson County Board of Education will consider Resolution 25-139 next month, which would affirm the district’s intention to participate in Section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025 so the district can receive state bonus funds intended for teachers.","taxTitle","Jefferson County, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",38512,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6088431,"Teachers and parents recommend McGraw Hill, Savvas and Kendall Hunt for science adoption; board to consider in business session",197,5646000,5843000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472&start=5646&end=5843","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472/thumbnail_5646000.jpg","/articles/6088431/Tennessee/Teachers-and-parents-recommend-McGraw-Hill-Savvas-and-Kendall-Hunt-for-science-adoption-board-to-consider-in-business-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088431-d7573e3be035ae633d97a8f867c9a849/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521141&Signature=ZpyFtruDCU0P2MjWIO0UjRWTCCsbvt~cEo7t1ScgzEmteK3NPNzaGabS~28xy5sWuIFQnKocjqaL~-JYfZ~kTw2cYntG1wyOMVYllOMouP3xuvutXlCnEC-wr070ktxooCqE8gCvQltRywfUTCnLvFUHcOyttirfw~OH0-ek55CivrpJMl-QNpd59~qfMfDDe2snJ0Ggtadd~YeSUh3yYwBGkodDWKsE5HRlSre~pOGQIZJHDlfPcPNR3jPzV2epa03vECpd6goN4sPBByEDAgImWVCo25NHjMZbQNrtPUUWMxO52ItQAFeQs6XoyZ6VMGa0cRH~afggiqlL0lG-yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the district’s science-adoption committee presented recommended vendors for a multi-grade adoption and asked the board to consider them at the next business session.

Committee members recommended McGraw Hill for elementary science, Savvas for middle school, Kendall Hunt for high-school biology and Kendall Hunt for one high-school chemistry option. Superintendent Dr. Arnold and committee members said the process included teacher and parent review meetings and vendor material inspections.

Why it matters: Adoption of a new core science curriculum affects classroom materials, professional development and future instructional pacing. The committee said the selection process involved parent and teacher review and that board members were able to preview materials at the bus garage and at a joint meeting before the recommendation.

Board member Harris (who attended vendor review sessions) described the process as “very thorough” and praised teacher and parent involvement. The administration will submit the committee’s recommendation for a formal vote in the business session.

Ending: The recommendation will appear on the board’s next business meeting agenda for adoption consideration.","A teacher–parent adoption committee recommended specific vendors for the district’s science curriculum by grade band. The board was briefed and the administration will present the recommendation in the upcoming business meeting for formal adoption.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6088434,"Board hears concerns about field trips and care for students who need medical or restroom assistance",971,6269000,7240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472&start=6269&end=7240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472/thumbnail_6269000.jpg","/articles/6088434/Tennessee/Board-hears-concerns-about-field-trips-and-care-for-students-who-need-medical-or-restroom-assistance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088434-3b16fad09e5a5f149bdcb3c37942fb38/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521141&Signature=i69A5CX3OslNdLLfaNEPsnfH2hIkrxNCntYxgt5k8BiSWuRJPWoOjpyH6ifO~l06LrU3Dxp8eUsrNHCcVMcJB4zd5XRwt1vzZasqOhBQX48A2IVEVuyXZtz1tTS3nwO-YueSOYeRZIQl3Ozbv8ZGf9YXmQqgGY4gufhVzzOz-~~-HQlTq72dPm0BOEKXBdZJ7bYY-NM9dfEFYJFVbsUOOty58N05C-6QTkwU~HQay1TxxBjgS5vHG8mHKHF0YLGIXHvENyVT-tcYpYtbL2lvtImaQt~iqhwXw3uoW8qa0QqsME0sFnkI99r7YgAViaXbwT2lLvhvTSDxtbKu6qO-qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Jefferson County Board member raised concerns about how the district manages students who require medical assistance or help in restrooms during off-site field trips, citing parents’ experiences and asking for clearer policy guidance.

Board member (name not specified in transcript) read sections of a physician-ordered G-tube care form used by the district and asked how staff handle situations when a parent cannot accompany a student on a trip. The board member said a parent had reported their child faced teasing after a trip in which the parent assisted with personal care in a public restroom.

School administrators responded that field trips are an extension of the school day and that the district attempts to provide appropriate accommodations. Dr. Arnold said the district typically assigns at least one school faculty or staff member (often a trained attendant or instructional assistant) to accompany students with specialized needs and that principals are instructed not to place an unvetted volunteer in sole charge of a special-needs child. He said parents may be invited to accompany their child but that attendance cannot be conditioned on a parent’s presence.

Why it matters: Special-education students who require medical care or assistance with daily routines need predictable accommodations off campus as well as at school. The board discussion showed parents and board members want clearer written guidance on field-trip staffing, restroom logistics and when the district will provide trained attendants or nurses.

Administrators said they will research applicable policies and clarify procedures for field trips, chaperone roles and restroom assistance for students with medical needs. No formal policy change was adopted at the work session.

Ending: Staff will follow up with principals and bring clarifying guidance or policy recommendations to the board in a future meeting.","Board discussion focused on protocol for students with medical needs — including G-tube feeding — during off-site field trips, and whether parents accompanying students must comply with school policy. Administrators said accommodations must be made and staff try not to rely on volunteer chaperones for personal-care duties.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6088439,"District proposes employee-only pre-K seats to help retention and recruitment",211,5113000,5324000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472&start=5113&end=5324","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472/thumbnail_5113000.jpg","/articles/6088439/Tennessee/District-proposes-employee-only-pre-K-seats-to-help-retention-and-recruitment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088439-91ffe83dc9273c1145788aa491b44fdb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521141&Signature=AfxEMbV~LXxQgvP20bZf~N04MnQMVSytkAc5GkTEqy5dCN8zTxtlQNAZGJPJNkiBQTfAC~f~yREjOIWFYJBiW7uuDG9i4HvJ-DKznXvmMnSAPUY2Zd6phlHovN6CUCCj4S-omIgC~jPmb5ixgtYGEV4Xnkl0zMYGSMnt59OyRf-ZYqxQcCpYaOYu~aEA-QKzvymhTynAAHfVf9B3-jhngzrhzgzjy7Q9ZEVU9ZOPeTWH~llyNvr59AM4T7xyMO6jZ~GbvMz~E4IpKyHzOAQP2z-PVmynHAkA4J-Lwt92Y10Fg8l~SqQ050A4WWzO69J99R9oUW2oPciznDnWFNpJRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jefferson County School District administrators recommended creating a pre-kindergarten program specifically for employees’ children, using available state-funded pre-K capacity to provide childcare that could improve staff retention and help employees return to work sooner.

Superintendent Dr. Arnold said the district currently operates state-funded pre-K seats that require income eligibility and that very few employees meet those income thresholds. He proposed using existing program capacity to offer seats for children of district employees so that staff who need childcare can keep working; the administration suggested Dandridge Elementary as a possible site.

Why it matters: Lack of affordable childcare can drive employees to delay returning to work or seek other jobs. The superintendent said the district has funding to pilot the program and that a staff survey showed strong interest. He told the board the program would not replace the existing state-eligible pre-K slots for income-eligible families but would make use of underfilled capacity to support employees.

Board members asked about demand, location and whether the district could staff the classrooms. Dr. Arnold said the district can fill the seats with employees’ children and that the program would be run by current pre-K staff; he said the district could expand to additional sites if the pilot succeeds. No vote was taken; the item was presented for board direction and will return in the business session with more operational details if the board wishes to proceed.

Ending: Administration will return with a proposed operational plan, location confirmation and staffing detail for board consideration.","Superintendent presented a plan to reserve pre-K seats for employees’ children, using existing pre-K capacity to support staff retention and childcare needs. Administration said funding exists and initial staff interest is strong; specifics on location and scale will be provided later.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6088442,"Superintendent outlines budget preview: teacher pay increases, classified raises, bus purchases and capital projects",792,2773000,3565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472&start=2773&end=3565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2880419-d725f6d956e5f94dc7a81f69c6eb0472/thumbnail_2773000.jpg","/articles/6088442/Tennessee/Superintendent-outlines-budget-preview-teacher-pay-increases-classified-raises-bus-purchases-and-capital-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6088442-0b7c50c2354936bb094e78f6cdf0a5d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770521141&Signature=UMzLusOOkFOdl4CchCAL6mEwvGiJjtKKxpkhXQRYHqsYzNW~kavgkwz15uRcR-pCHBxt8Eov3hgrhlThOZSR96nRMEhIpeYnfGYwPB7Lys99tyQV4N4Rw1i3oQ76VnGOh6-GVi4haKKJzy7u~gWqJuuT0DdylmyYQmzDkAQAV3C6XTkx4S-m9A5~KBXvd1hwR-dDRjHGIdBvaQbm9oqUhygZC1jiUvsfw1gb1Anv7Xw3jBWogE~AyTXIVsNVjpVpPRESQnn3jMlhSiS-nGo3veSE4A3L-dDG6yGcWsYdvWyvAtV5~0xPFS1hPRu8PCuCBkLn19Z~9SxY1PIJVc9HGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Dr. Arnold reviewed the district’s upcoming budget priorities and flagged several items the board will see for formal action in the coming weeks, including mandated teacher salary minimums, classified pay adjustments, bus replacements and capital projects.

Dr. Arnold said the district will set beginning teacher pay at $47,000 next year to comply with a state minimum and plans to reach a $50,000 minimum thereafter. He told the board the certified-employee pay increase alone represents roughly $2.1 million of the district’s budget increase; overall TISA-related increases for the district were presented as roughly $2.45 million.

Why it matters: Salaries are the largest component of the district’s operating budget (Dr. Arnold said 83–85% of total budgetary outlays relate to salaries), so state-mandated increases and locally negotiated supplements will materially affect next year’s budget and the county’s maintenance-of-effort contribution.

Other budget highlights presented:
- Classified and hourly pay: the superintendent said the budget includes a 3.5% increase for classified hourly employees, a proposed starting hourly rate of $13, and steps to address “bunched” pay rates so longer-service instructional assistants and custodians receive larger increases. He showed examples of long-tenured hourly employees earning only modestly more than new hires and said the administration will propose targeted differentials.
- Substitute and driver pay: the packet proposes raising noncertified substitute pay and increasing bus driver daily rates to $110, and adding 12 bus monitor positions at a combined cost the superintendent estimated at roughly $135,000.
- Buses and capital outlay: the district expects higher vehicle costs than in prior years (new buses now cost about $160,000 or more). The administration recommended buying two new buses next year; the superintendent said some of that purchase may require a request for reserve funds depending on existing capital balances.
- Athletic and medical services: the budget adds about $45,000 on top of an already-budgeted $60,000 to pay Knoxville Orthopedic Center for expanded athletic training coverage at middle schools.
- Energy loan and capital projects: Dr. Arnold noted $179,798 of capital funds will be used to pay down an ESI energy loan and that roughly $400,000 in capital outlay projects will come to the board for approval.

Board members asked for more detail on bus timing and exact capital balances; Dr. Arnold said he would provide specific figures before the April board meeting. No votes were taken; this presentation was a budget preview and direction to bring formal proposals back for action.","Superintendent presented the draft budget priorities: move beginning teacher pay to $47,000 (phased to $50,000 next year), classified pay increases, new bus purchases, athletic trainer funding, and capital outlays including an energy loan payoff.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Jefferson County board to consider resolution allowing state $2,000 teacher bonus despite prior opposition to vouchers

Teachers and parents recommend McGraw Hill, Savvas and Kendall Hunt for science adoption; board to consider in business session

Board hears concerns about field trips and care for students who need medical or restroom assistance

District proposes employee-only pre-K seats to help retention and recruitment

Superintendent outlines budget preview: teacher pay increases, classified raises, bus purchases and capital projects