Board approves one‑time retention and longevity payments for preschool staff

The Los Banos Unified School District board unanimously approved two one‑time payments aimed at retaining unrepresented preschool program staff.

Jennifer, presenting for the program, recommended board approval of a one‑time retention stipend for unrepresented preschool staff and explained that one‑time COVID‑era funds (which cannot be used to raise permanent base pay) are available to support retention. The board moved and approved the retention stipend unanimously.

Jennifer then recommended a one‑time longevity bonus, again emphasizing the goal of incentivizing preschool staff to remain with the program amid competition from other fields. Trustees voted to approve the longevity bonus unanimously.

Why it matters: Preschool staff shortages affect program continuity and early‑education services. The measures use restricted one‑time funds and do not change employees’ base pay rates.

Next steps: The district will implement the payments using the specified funding sources and report back through payroll and personnel channels; no dissenting votes were recorded.