Committee recommends full board consider state SOQ staff bonus; local cost and timing discussed

The Lynchburg City Public Schools Finance and Facilities Committee voted to recommend that the full school board consider accepting the governor's proposed SOQ (Standards of Quality) employee bonus and to decide whether to budget the payout in fiscal year 2026 or fiscally in 2027.

Staff presented two payout scenarios and the timing constraints behind them. "They will provide us the funding as of June 1," the staff member said, noting the superintendent must certify by May 1 whether the division will give the bonus. The staff summary showed a state share of $794,004.61. Under a $1,500 full-time (and $7.50 part-time) option staff estimated a total cost of $2,454,940 and a local-only impact of about $1,660,479 after the state share; a $1,000/$500 option would total $1,636,627 with an estimated local impact near $842,000.

Staff recommended budgeting the payment in FY2027 when new funds would be available to cover the local share; the superintendent characterized the payment as a retention bonus likely to be paid in the fall to employees who sign contracts to return. Committee members asked whether school-board members and part-time employees could be included; staff said the division can choose eligible categories if the committee directs it to do so.

After discussion about affordability and budget monitoring, the committee moved and passed a voice vote recommendation to place the bonus item on the full board agenda. The chair said he and another member intended to support the $1,500 full-time option "with the understanding that if something happens going into '27 that affects that, it may change," and staff confirmed the dollar figures could be adjusted based on future budget developments. The item was placed on the next Tuesday agenda for the full board. (The transcript records a voice vote; a roll-call tally was not recorded.)

Next steps: the committee's recommendation will be presented to the full Lynchburg City Public Schools Board at its upcoming meeting for a final decision.