Prince George board approves $750 retention bonus using year-end funds amid debate over capital priorities

The Prince George County School Board approved using projected year-end funds to give each returning employee a $750 retention bonus, a plan supporters said would help retain staff while opponents argued the money could better address capital repairs.

Finance staff projected a year-end balance of approximately $1,080,753. A board motion to move the year-end funds to an action item led to debate about whether to spend money now on capital needs—roof repairs at Clements and Beasley, gym flooding repairs, or to pay staff bonuses. Mrs. Barnes told the board that paying $750 to each returning employee would cost roughly $661,240.

A board member who supported the bonus said retention was a high priority and noted the district often returns funds to the county if not spent. Others pushed for postponing a vote to gather cost estimates for facilities work and to consider a categorical transfer from the county if projects were to be completed before fiscal year end.

After discussion the board voted by roll call to approve the retention bonus allocation (vote recorded as four yes, one no). Supporters said the bonus could be distributed this fiscal year without requiring a county reappropriation; dissenting members said they preferred funding immediate capital repairs instead.

Board members also discussed timing and logistics: some capital items would require county approval for reappropriation and could not be executed before the fiscal year closed, while others would be ready for contracting in the fall if funds were designated then.

The approved motion directs staff to implement the retention payment for eligible returning employees and to report back on remaining carryover funds and plans for any capital projects requiring county action.