The Warren County Board of Education voted to adopt a resolution affirming the district’s intention to participate in Section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025, a state-law provision that provides a one-time $2,000 bonus to eligible K–12 public school teachers for the 2024–25 school year.

Why it matters: Board members debated whether to supplement the state-funded bonus for other district employees who are not included in the state’s eligibility definition. Several trustees described the issue as one of fairness for staff who support classroom instruction but may not meet the state’s eligibility criteria.

Superintendent Dr. Swallows told the board the state would provide roughly $954,000 (as the district’s calculated share) for eligible employees and an additional per-employee amount to cover fringe. He said the state would also provide updated lists of eligible positions in May and a final list in June; district staff noted the bonus funds would not be paid until July and are limited to employees who were on staff in 2024–25. The superintendent also presented district estimates for extending bonuses to other classes of employees: district calculations showed that giving $2,000 to all classified employees would add roughly $753,140; giving $2,000 to all employees would raise the district’s cost toward roughly $922,946 and require use of reserve funds and County Commission approval.

Board discussion was substantive and repeated themes of fairness and budgetary responsibility. Some trustees urged the board to accept the state program now and prepare budget amendments to cover supplemental bonuses for non-eligible staff later. Others expressed concern that the state’s eligibility categories leave out important roles such as nurses and certain classified staff, and urged the board to find district resources if necessary. One board member summarized the board’s position as wanting “one team, one goal.”

Motion and outcome: A motion to adopt the resolution affirming intent to participate in Section 4 of the Education Freedom Act was made by Mr. Jenkins, seconded by Mr. Brown, and carried after a voice vote. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Next steps: District staff said if the board chooses to supplement the state bonus for additional employees, the district would need to prepare a budget amendment, potentially draw on reserves and obtain County Commission approval. The board directed staff to return with budget options and updated eligibility lists after the state’s June finalization.

Ending: Board members said they want to be equitable to all employees and will consider formal budget amendments in a future meeting once the state provides the final eligible-employee list.