Board approves extra pay for employees who did not receive state teacher bonus

The Coffee County Board of Education voted unanimously on Sept. 8 to provide one‑time extra pay to district employees who are not receiving the state’s $2,000 bonus awarded to many certified staff. Director Hargrove outlined the proposal and the budget impact, describing staff categories and eligibility. He said part‑time after‑school employees would receive $1,000 and employees hired after the start of the prior school year would receive $200 per month of service through May. “The total budget hit on this? It's on budget amendment number 7. So 8 months. Sorry. $818,004.43 and $8.10,” Hargrove said while reading the budget worksheet; later the budget amendment roll listed the total as $818,443.08. Board members discussed equity and the need to support bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers. The motion to approve the extra‑pay plan passed by roll call with the vote recorded as 9‑0‑0. The district staff said the extra pay will be processed through a budget amendment and that the payments are expected to be distributed in the December payroll cycle, pending county budget processing and administration. Board members praised the move as a way to recognize the wider staff beyond certified teachers; several said they hoped the payments would improve morale and retention.