GRUNDY COUNTY, Tenn. — Eligible Grundy County Schools employees will soon receive $2,000 bonus payments after months of controversy surrounding the state-funded incentive program.
Grundy County Schools announced that bonus checks will be distributed to eligible employees after the Grundy County Commission approved the necessary budget amendments during its June 22 meeting, clearing the way for the school system to process the payments.
The bonuses stem from Tennessee’s Education Freedom Act and were originally offered by the state as a one-time $2,000 payment for teachers during the 2024-2025 school year. However, Grundy County became the center of statewide attention in May of last year when the Grundy County Board of Education voted 5-4 to reject the state-funded bonuses.
At the time, board members opposing the payments cited concerns that the funding was tied to Governor Bill Lee’s Education Freedom Act and school voucher legislation. The decision made Grundy County the only school district among Tennessee’s 147 districts to initially reject the money.
The vote sparked widespread criticism from teachers, parents, and community members, leading to public outcry and several high-profile board resignations. Following the backlash, the school board adopted the resolution required by the state to accept the funding, although the action came after the original deadline had passed.
State lawmakers, including Senator Janice Bowling, later worked with local officials to pass legislation that allowed Grundy County to regain eligibility and receive the bonus funding.
In addition to the teacher bonuses approved by the state, the current Grundy County Board of Education voted to provide the same $2,000 bonus to all current employees and eligible staff members who worked during the 2024-2025 school year.
According to the district, eligible employees include all school system employees who worked at least 120 days during the 2024-2025 school year, as well as all current employees who have worked for Grundy County Schools during the 2025-2026 school year.
As with all payroll payments, taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and retirement contributions will be deducted from the gross amount.
Bonus checks will be available for pickup June 30 through July 2 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the front lobby of Grundy County High School. Employees must pick up their checks in person and sign for receipt. School officials said checks will not be released to anyone other than the employee.
Employees unable to pick up their checks during the scheduled distribution period are encouraged to contact the Grundy County Schools Central Office to make alternate arrangements.
In the statement by the school system on their social media page, the district thanked employees for their service and dedication to the students and families of Grundy County as the long-running bonus dispute comes to a close.
