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Board approves state-funded staff bonuses, agrees bus drivers on two routes qualify as full time
Summary
The board approved a state match retention bonus recommendation—$1,200 for full-time, $600 for part-time returning employees—and amended the plan to classify drivers with two routes as full-time for the bonus; employees who leave before the first semester must repay the bonus.
The Southampton County School Board voted April 13 to approve a retention-bonus recommendation using state FY26 bonus funds and a local match. Acting Superintendent Dr. Harris Muhammad recommended a $1,200 bonus for returning full-time employees and $600 for returning part-time employees, to be treated as a retention payment and recoverable if an employee leaves before the end of the first semester.
Dr. Harris Muhammad said the division had run multiple cost scenarios with finance staff and that the recommendation is fiscally feasible for the current budget year. "We can provide the staff bonus in this fiscal year ... I am recommending $1,200 for full-time employees and $600 for part-time employees," he told the board.
Board members discussed how to classify bus drivers for eligibility. After discussion, the board adopted an amendment to consider drivers who commit to two routes as full-time for the purpose of the bonus. Mr. Grizzard moved the amended recommendation; Miss Lane seconded. The motion passed by roll-call voice with no recorded opposition.
The board directed administrators to finalize implementation details and advised that the superintendent and finance staff would monitor costs and report back if adjustments were necessary.
