Superintendent’s staff presented proposed scenarios for a one‑time retention bonus tied to a state proposal and the governor’s budget language. The state’s proposal would reimburse divisions for bonuses paid to Standards of Quality (SOQ) instructional and support positions; the division presented three scenarios for board consideration.

Scenario details presented by staff:
- Scenario 1: State funding only; approximately $537 gross per eligible full‑time employee (no local funds required).
- Scenario 2: $750 gross per eligible full‑time employee; would require roughly $177,181 in local funds in addition to state funds.
- Scenario 3: $1,000 gross per eligible full‑time employee; would require roughly $385,000 in local funds in addition to state funds.

Staff said the state’s estimated reimbursement to Winchester would be $446,920 for SOQ‑funded positions; the division’s projection of additional state revenue leaves an available balance of roughly $171,000, which would cover the local share for Scenario 2 without drawing from the district’s capital account. Scenario 3 would require using funds from the district’s capital improvement (931) account or other savings to cover one‑time costs.

Board members discussed tradeoffs. One member described Scenario 2 as the “compromise” because it provides a meaningful one‑time payment without reducing capital reserves needed for buses and facilities; another member said Scenario 3 would be preferable if the district could afford it without impairing planned capital projects. Staff reminded the board that final state budget language and allocation rules remain subject to the General Assembly’s action and that the proposed bonuses are one‑time payments, not permanent raises.

Next steps

Board members directed staff to prepare a recommended scenario and bring a specific approval item to the next meeting, pending final state budget action and any locality decisions about funding sources.