Board to prepare amendment to extend $2,000 supplement to employees who did not receive state bonus

Coffee County Board of Education members discussed whether district employees who did not receive the state’s $2,000 distribution should receive a local supplement and directed staff to prepare a budget amendment for the board’s September meeting to consider supplementing non‑recipients.

Board members said the state program that provided $2,000 to many teachers left out other school employees — custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, classroom assistants and some specialists — and several board members said those employees are integral to daily operations. Board member Hancer said the aim was to “put our money where our mouth is” and recognize classified staff who did not receive state funds.

District staff provided an initial fiscal estimate. April, a district staff member, told the board that paying $2,000 to all employees who did not receive the state money would be roughly $870,000 on top of the approximately $600,000 the district received from the state for certified staff. Staff said the figure is approximate and that actual cost could change slightly after payroll reconciliation.

Board members discussed eligible employees and past practice. Staff said part‑time employees have been treated on a prorated basis in prior local bonus distributions and that the district records would be used to confirm who worked the threshold of days to qualify for a supplement. Legal and payroll staff said such payments would be processed as extra pay (taxed as wages) and not special, non‑taxed bonuses.

No final appropriation vote occurred at the work session. The board chair said he would bring a formal recommendation at the September meeting and staff confirmed they would prepare a budget amendment and the supporting numbers for board consideration.