Cannon County school leaders seek clarity on $2,000 cost‑of‑living bonus for part‑time and nonlicensed staff

Cannon County school officials during a July workshop sought clarification on which part‑time and nonlicensed employees will be eligible for a previously approved $2,000 cost‑of‑living bonus and set a schedule to request county approval and payroll processing.

The board discussed whether part‑time employees who work under 30 hours per week — including tutors and some bus drivers — are eligible for the $2,000 payment or a smaller payment (a $1,000 figure was mentioned). Staff said part‑time employees who worked at least 120 days in the prior school year and remained employed at the end of the year are the group under consideration. Payroll and finance staff said they would prepare two budget memos: one listing positions that would receive the $2,000 payment and a second listing positions that would not. Staff said the county commission must approve a budget amendment before funds are distributed.

Douglas, a district finance/payroll staff member, told the board payroll would prefer to issue the payments in August and that the payments would come from the district balance subject to county commission approval of a budget amendment. Board members asked staff to verify the final list of part‑time employees and to confirm which positions meet the 120‑day requirement.

No formal vote was recorded during the workshop; staff said a motion and any final action would be taken at the board’s regular meeting on Thursday and then forwarded to the county commission for its August meeting.

Board members repeatedly asked staff to produce clear documentation of eligibility so they could confirm whether all part‑time roles (for example, tutors and some bus drivers who spend time at schools but work fewer than 30 hours) should receive the approved funds.