Board members reviewed scenarios showing how a state 2024–25 one-time bonus for certified staff could affect the district budget, and discussed whether the district should match the state payment for other employees.

Dr. Sutherland introduced the item and asked finance staff to present cost scenarios. Valerie Underhill told the board the district estimates about 620 certified staff would qualify under the state criteria and presented three scenarios: (1) pay $2,000 to certified staff only, which she estimated would net to a $0 cost to the district after state reimbursement; (2) pay $2,000 to every full-time employee, which she estimated would cost the district about $1,200,000; and (3) pay $2,000 to certified staff and $1,000 to classified staff, which would cost the district roughly $720,000.

Board members questioned timing and process. Board member Hagley emphasized that “this is the state of Tennessee that has approved it for them,” and that matching decisions would affect the district budget. Several board members said the matter should be discussed in the budget-planning process before any final action; board member Parker asked that the item receive explicit discussion and said he would prefer a separate vote if district funds are committed. A board member noted the option of calling a special session to vote if needed.

No formal vote was recorded on whether the district will match or supplement the state bonus. Board members directed staff to include the item in upcoming budget planning and to bring clearer language and cost estimates to a future meeting so the board can consider placement in next year’s budget.

Clarifying details: Valerie Underhill estimated 620 certified staff would qualify; total estimated state reimbursement was described as about $1,400,000; scenario estimates included a $0 net cost if only certified staff received the $2,000 and the full-state reimbursement covered it, and district costs of approximately $240,000 (if only certified received funds without state reimbursement for others) and about $720,000 (certified $2,000 + classified $1,000). Those figures were presented as district estimates and described in the meeting as scenario planning, not final commitments.

Next steps: staff will present detailed budget scenarios at the board’s budget planning session so the board can consider whether to place matching funds in the FY budget.