Board approves budget amendment to receive state $2,000 teacher bonuses, will pay in September payroll

The Coffee County Board of Education approved a budget amendment to accept state funds and pay qualifying teachers the $2,000 retention/bonus authorized by the state.

April (finance staff) told the board the district received the revenue from the state and must amend the budget to reflect the funds and the corresponding payroll expenditures and benefits. Because a separate bonus check would trigger a higher withholding (an estimated 22% for supplemental pay), staff proposed, and the board approved, issuing the $2,000 as part of the regular September paycheck so the amounts will be taxed as ordinary wages.

The board confirmed bonuses will be paid only to teachers meeting the state’s qualifying criteria. Miss Nelson walked the board through the line-item allocations and noted guidance from the state restricted eligibility; staff reviewed the state-provided eligible list multiple times.

The motion to approve the budget amendment passed on roll call without recorded opposition. April said she will ensure the payments are included in the September payroll and that line items and benefits costs will be reflected in the amended budget.