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Board approves one-time retention bonus funded from surplus; up to $13 million estimate
Summary
Harmony Public Schools approved a one-time retention bonus for employees — up to 4% for exempt staff and up to $1,000 for full‑time nonexempt employees — funded from this year’s surplus; district estimated maximum cost near $13 million and one board member abstained due to a conflict.
The Harmony Public Schools board on May 17 approved a one-time retention bonus to be paid from the district’s surplus. The plan authorizes bonuses of up to 4% for exempt employees and up to $1,000 for full‑time nonexempt employees; temporary workers such as interns are also eligible for a capped amount, district staff said.
Finance staff estimated that if every eligible employee received the maximum amounts, the total cost would be close to $13,000,000. Staff said the payment will be funded from the current year’s surplus and that final amounts will be determined after confirming surplus and participant levels.
A board member asked about historical payout rates; staff recalled a prior-year estimate of about $15,000,000 and suggested actual payout was lower (staff did not provide an exact percent of employees who historically received the bonus). The board discussed the overall value of retention incentives and confirmed that the item was intended to boost retention and recognize staff.
A motion to approve the retention bonus carried; one board member abstained from the vote, citing a conflict (spouse employed by Harmony), and the board chair recorded the motion as approved.
Staff said they will finalize the bonus calculation once the district’s final surplus is confirmed and will report the final payout amounts to the board.
