ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News has learned some new developments following the governor’s announcement of state bonuses.
State employees are expected to receive their $1,000 bonus on their last paycheck this month. However, the $1,000 holiday bonus for schoolteachers and support staff probably will not be distributed until after the first of the year.
Gov. Brian Kemp announced the bonuses on Monday and seemed to infer they could be out by the end of December. But the governor’s office clarified that a bit on Tuesday.
Channel 2′s Richard Elliot learned that payments will go to the individual school districts by the end of the year, but those districts may not be able to turn them around until January.
“The timing of this is the most beautiful problem to have,” Marietta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera said.
Rivera said he’s excited that his district is going to get the $1,000 state bonuses for teachers and support staff.
“This bonus on behalf of the governor was so incredibly well received across every single classroom in Marietta yesterday,” Rivera said.
Kemp announced the one-time bonus at a capitol news conference on Monday.
“It’s going to be a good Christmas and New Year here in Georgia,” Kemp said.
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But now the governor’s office is clarifying the timing of those bonuses, saying the money will be paid to the individual school districts by the end of the year.
Until they get more details as to which employees are eligible, many districts admit they may not be able to get those bonuses out until after New Year’s.
“That was actually my first thought when I heard about this yesterday, was the fact that many of our school districts are already on their holiday break,” said Lisa Morgan with the Georgia Association of Educators.
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Rivera said his staff is ready to go when they get the state guidance.
“If and when we get the details early enough, our staff is prepared to turn that around as quickly as possible, and if that’s something we can do this winter break, we’ll do it,” Rivera said.
SCHOOL STATEMENTS
Fayette County Schools
“At this time, we have not received guidance on how the funds will be distributed, paid or which school district employees will be eligible to receive the payment. We will make every effort to expedite processing of the supplement once it is available from the state.”
Newton County Schools
“We are grateful for Governor Kemp’s ongoing support of Georgia’s educators, particularly in light of his recent announcement regarding a holiday retention pay supplement. Although we would like to disburse the funds before the holidays, our district is set to conclude operations for the break this Friday, with Thursday designated as a scheduled pay date for Newton County Schools.
“Yesterday, we informed our staff about the upcoming supplement from Governor Kemp and upon our return in January, we will ensure payment to all eligible employees.”
Cobb County Schools
“We are excited for Cobb teachers, schools and students to benefit from Gov. Kemp’s continued support for education. While we haven’t received operational details yet, we will make sure the dollars are received by our educators.”
In a statement, Atlanta Public Schools said it paid its teachers a $1,000 bonus four days ago, so it plans to use the state bonus for other APS priorities.
Fulton County Schools
“Fulton County Schools is pleased to learn of the generous $1,000 bonus for all state employees to be paid by the end of the year announced by Governor Kemp. During the winter break, we look forward to getting the details of the proposed incentive for teachers and eligible staff. As is the Fulton County Schools custom, the final paycheck of the year has already been distributed. As a result, a comprehensive payout proposal that ensures all Fulton County Schools staff knows they are appreciated will come in January. More information will be provided as details are finalized.”
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