Barrow County Schools proposes one-time $250–$2,000 salary supplement; board told cost $5.115M

Barrow County School System staff recommended extending Gov. Kemp’s FY2026 $2,000 retention supplement to all eligible active employees not covered fully by state funding, including certain contract custodians and contract food-service staff. Staff described tiered amounts for full-time and part-time employees and outlined eligibility criteria tied to active employment or 90-day contractor tenure.

Ms. Houston summarized the financial impact: “The total cost is going to be $5,115,000. This is going to be offset by the state of Georgia, 3,280,000, and Bright from the Start for our pre-K employees of 77,000. So, the estimated cost from general fund fund balance will be $1,758,000.” Staff said distribution would occur as quickly as possible in April, with a target around April 17, and that the supplement is a one-time payment not subject to TRS earnable compensation (TRS will not be deducted); taxes (FICA, federal, Georgia) will be withheld.

Board members discussed timing and asked whether the board should vote the item immediately or finalize payroll worksheets first. Staff said they could have payroll ready for the next regular meeting to avoid implementation delays. The superintendent recommended moving that item to the consent agenda for final approval.