Haraln Kirgan
Following a patriotic program to honor veterans serving in the St. Landry Parish school system, the School Board added to the festivities by approving a Christmas bonus for its employees.
Full-time employees will receive a $1,000 bonus and substitutes will get $250 in December.
The School Board was unanimous in approving the bonus. Board member Candace Gerace was absent.
The School Board’s Finance Committee sent a recommendation for a bonus of $750 for full-time employees and $200 for substitutes. However, there was disagreement on the committee about the bonus.
Superintendent Patrick Jenkins recommended the lower bonus saying it would help prolong holiday payment.
Eunice Board member Albert Hayes Jr. proposed the larger bonus for the employees. Hayes has argued the fund is for pay and has even suggested it be paid in full to employees.
The Board will spend about $2.4 million on the $1,000/$250 bonus plan.
The $750/$200 bonus plan would have cost about $1.8 million.
The bonus is paid from the Employee Compensation and Benefit Fund, which is dedicated to employee pay.
As of Aug. 31, the fund’s balance was $5.9 million.
Tressa Miller, school finance director, said auditors have recommended the fund have a balance of $2.6 million.
At Thursday’s meeting, Miller said the fund will support about another year or two of Christmas bonuses. Selecting the $750/$250 bonus plan would have extended the bonuses for an additional year, she said.
The fund receives about $1 million in revenues each year, she said.
There is about $3.3 million available for this year’s bonuses, she said.
Next year’s balance will total about $4.3 million, leaving $1.5 million for the 2018 Christmas bonuses if the $2.6 million base balance is retained.