Board approves one‑time $1,400 performance‑based payment to staff, to be paid from cash accounts
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Summary
The board approved a one‑time, prorated performance‑based compensation payment up to $1,400 funded from designated cash accounts (funds 010, 290, 510, 570). Eligibility rules set hiring cutoffs for December versus May payout dates.
The Phoenix Elementary School District Governing Board voted to approve a one‑time performance‑based compensation (PBC) adjustment of up to $1,400 per employee (prorated by FTE), funded from district cash accounts rather than recurring budgeted funds.
Aaron Whittle, the district chief financial officer, told the board the payment is intended as a one‑time supplement and explained the funding plan: instructional staff would be paid from fund 010 (classroom site fund); ESS staff from fund 290 (Medicaid); nutrition services from fund 510 (food service); and support and administration from fund 570 (indirect). Whittle said the district plans to use interest earnings from those cash accounts and that cash accounts are the appropriate source for one‑time payouts because they represent liquid balances distinct from the M&O budget.
Whittle explained eligibility and timing: employees hired by Nov. 21 will receive the payment in December; those hired Nov. 22 through March 6 will be paid in May 2026; employees hired after March 6 will not be eligible. He also noted the PBC 301 plan requires a distribution plan and that eligible certified staff approved the proposed revision by 89% in the committee process.
Multiple public commenters and association representatives urged timely approval so staff could receive the payment before winter break. April Pettit, speaking as president of PECTA, said: “For many of us, this $1,400 payment is not a bonus. It is the difference between struggling to make the holidays happen for our families and being able to breathe a little easier.”
President Trujillo moved to approve the cash‑account one‑time payment; the motion was seconded by Erica and carried by recorded aye votes.
Board members asked clarifying questions seeking assurance the payment would not become an ongoing line item and requested future presentations to anticipate cost‑of‑living adjustments. Administration said the payment is one‑time and is not being added to base salaries.