Radford board approves $1,500 retention bonus for all full‑time staff

The Radford City School Board voted April 8 to approve distribution of a $1,500 bonus to all full‑time employees, with the superintendent recommending a retention condition that staff return a signed contract within five school days to receive the payment.

The bonus stems from funds referenced by the superintendent as available in the current state budget; the board agreed to extend the payment to both SOQ‑funded and non‑SOQ positions. The division estimated an eligible pool near 267 full‑time staff members, though final payroll lists will determine the exact count.

"Radford City Public Schools wishes to distribute this bonus to all full‑time employees regardless of their SOQ status," the superintendent said during the presentation and recommended making it a retention bonus that requires a returned contract to unlock payment.

Board members discussed administering the payment as a local retention bonus and the mechanics of ensuring funds are not released to staff who do not commit to return next year. One board member pressed for clarity on implementation; staff said the bonus would be brought back as an action item with the written terms and disbursement timing.

The motion to approve the bonus passed by voice vote.

What happens next: staff will finalize implementation details (eligibility list, contract timeline and payment schedule) and return the exact disbursement plan to the board in a future meeting.