Board approves $1,500 bonus plan for eligible SOQ positions pending state budget

The Henry County School Board voted unanimously to approve a one-time bonus for SOQ-funded instructional and support positions for fiscal year 2025, contingent on the state budget becoming law.

Presenters said House Bill 1600 (the 2024–26 biennial budget) includes $1,000 in bonus funding for each Standards of Quality (SOQ) instructional and support position payable to school divisions. The division reported it would receive $761,161 in SOQ bonus funds from the state; the superintendent recommended the division top the payment up to $1,500 per eligible position using current FY25 local funds.

Board presenters said the local increase would produce an estimated fiscal impact of $1,687,227.36 from the FY25 school budget and an estimated $151,918.85 from the school nutrition budget. The board noted federal and state taxes and benefit deductions would apply and that the timing of payments depends on the governor signing the budget; staff anticipated employee payments in June 2025 if the budget is signed.

Board members approved the plan by motion, second, and unanimous voice vote. The board directed staff to proceed pending official state action and to process payments in accordance with stated criteria if funding is finalized.