CLINTON, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Anderson County School Director Dr. Tim Parrot wants to hand out bonuses to non-teacher staff to remedy Gov. Bill Lee’s “unjust and discouraging” private school voucher bonus system. In a letter earmarked for the county’s school board, Parrot proposed pulling more than $800,000 from other projects to get the bonuses paid.
In January of 2024, Lee called a special legislative session to fast-track one of his administration’s primary goals: using state money to fund scholarships for private school students. The plan, which has since passed in the legislature and been signed into action, came under fire from education experts and Tennessee teachers who said it would pull money from the public school system.
In response, lawmakers included a $2,000 bonus for teachers, but no money was set aside for non-teacher staff like custodians, teacher assistants, cafeteria staff and other personnel. Parrot has taken issue with that move.
“This decision was both unjust and discouraging. In light of this, I am asking the school board to approve a locally funded bonus for staff members who did not receive the state-funded bonus,” the letter said. “A successful education system relies on the dedication and hard work of all staff members. Overlooking their contributions sends a disheartening message about their value to our schools and community.”
Parrot has recommended taking $850,000 from the capital projects budget to fund $1,500 bonuses for November, with another $500 bonus up for consideration in May of next year. Those non-teacher staff members will have to meet some requirements, though:
- The employee did not receive a bonus this year from the state
- The employee was employed full time by Nov. 1, 2024
- The employee is still employed full time as of Nov. 15, 2025
The subject is up for discussion for the Anderson County School Board’s Nov. 10 meeting. The board and the county’s commission will need to approve Parrot’s plan to put it into action.
Director Tim Parrot (photo courtesy of Anderson County Schools)
