County School Board members were lukewarm to the idea floated by Chairman Tucker McClendon and the administration for employee bonuses to help absorb the effects of inflation. The cost is $2.8 million.
The plan was to give $500 to each full-time employee and $250 for each part-time.
Jenny Hill said she will not be able to attend Thursday night's meeting, but her vote would have been no.
She said, "It will have a very short effect, especially when you consider the taxes that will be taken out." She said, "Inflation is still going to be there. I question the usefulness of this $2.8 million spend."
James Walker said he would like to see the money go for something more permanent - say a ball field. He said, "This is a tough one. I want to love on our employees, but I struggle with this."
Rhonda Thurman said she struggled also, saying she would like to help employees "but inflation hasn't hit school employees any more than anybody else."
She added, "$2.8 million is a lot of money. Inflation is going to hit us here at the school system as well."
Marco Perez said the notion "came as a surprise" to him and wondered about its origins. He noted, "In my world, they would take out 25 percent, leaving $350." He questioned whether a payout should just go to those at the lower end of the pay scale.
Tiffanie Robinson said, "Truthfully, it doesn't make a big dent." She also suggested aiming funds at those making the least.
Supt. Justin Robertson said the schools had paid a similar bonus last year to employees using COVID relief money. He acknowledged, "It's a tough call. It's intended to support our employees, but it is a big number."
Mr. McClendon said the school's Rainy Day fund is in good shape and could absorb the $2.8 million leaving a significant overage to help some school facility needs.