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School board approves consent agenda including $1,500 retention bonus for eligible employees
Summary
The board approved the consent agenda including a retention bonus: state funds of $7,100,795 with a local match of $4,243,741 will fund one-time $1,500 payments (plus FICA) to full‑time equivalent employees; the division plans to use additional local funds to expand eligibility and will include the payment in the June 30 paycheck.
The Virginia Beach School Board approved the consent agenda on June 8, which included a resolution authorizing one‑time retention bonuses for school division employees tied to state budget action. The FY2025–26 provision provides $7,100,795 in state funds with a local match of $4,243,741; the resolution directs that these funds be used to provide a one-time retention bonus of $1,500 plus FICA to eligible full‑time equivalent employees.
Board discussion clarified eligibility and timing. Superintendent Dr. Robertson told the board the bonus will be paid in the June 30 paycheck and that the district intends to cover additional employees — beyond those funded under state SOQ allocations — by using local funds to expand eligibility. "Thanks to the board's approval, we are going to be covering all of our full time equivalent positions...the school board agreed to spend an additional approximately $6,000,000" to ensure broader coverage, Dr. Robertson said.
The clerk recorded 11 ayes on the consent agenda vote. Board members asked staff to confirm certification and that appropriate payroll and eligibility checks would be completed prior to payment. The resolution also specified that retirement on or before June 30, 2026 without return to employment would make an employee ineligible for the bonus.
The consent agenda included additional items (Citizens Advisory Committee appointments and a settlement listed as "Jewel Labs Inc settlement") and these moved with the same recorded vote. The transcript indicates staff will follow up with certification and payroll processes to confirm eligibility and distribution details.
What happens next: Staff will finalize payroll certification and provide any necessary implementation details; the June 30 pay date was cited for distribution.
