Horry County Schools Board Approves Holiday Bonuses for Employees

Horry County Employees to Receive Holiday Bonuses After Board Approval

In a heartwarming move that’s bound to spread holiday cheer, the Horry County Schools Board of Education recently announced its approval of holiday bonuses for all full-time, part-time, and positive pay employees. The board held a special meeting on Monday, December 2, where they discussed and ultimately passed a motion for these bonuses that are set to bring a little extra joy during this festive season.

What’s on the Table?

The board voted 8-3 in favor of granting each eligible employee a $500 bonus, which many hope will be a lovely surprise as we inch closer to the holidays. Shanda Allen, the representative for District 11, took the lead by proposing the motion, reminding everyone that a little something is definitely better than nothing. It’s great to see such camaraderie and consideration showcased in these discussions!

Looking Back at Last Year

Last year was a bit different, as full-time employees received a more generous $1,000 check while their part-time and positive pay colleagues got $500. All in all, that hefty bonus package landed a total cost of $10.3 million on the district’s budget! This year, the bonuses will total around $5.6 million, following a more conservative approach in spending.

Budgetary Considerations at Play

District 7 representative, Janet Graham, expressed her gratitude for the bonuses but also shared her realistic view on budget limitations. She remarked, “I wish we could do what we did last year, but we do have to be cautious and conscious of what we are spending.” This really hits home for those of us balancing family budgets during the holiday season!

A Mixed Response from Board Members

Interestingly, not all board members were in favor of the bonuses. Howard Barnard from District 5 and two other members felt the bonuses could potentially conflict with the need for crucial staffing, such as hiring new assistant principals that the board had earlier decided against. Barnard pointed out that if funds couldn’t be allocated for hiring vital positions, they should reconsider the bonuses as well. He stated, “If the money is not there for assistant principals, I would argue that money is not there for holiday bonuses.”

Adding a Silver Lining

However, it’s hard not to see the bright side of this bonus discussion! After a long year of hard work and dedication, it’s a sweet gesture to show appreciation to all school employees who contribute to the learning environment in various ways. The bonuses are funded from the county’s non-designated funds, providing a bit of flexibility in budget adjustments.

Lifting Spirits in Horry County

In a community as tight-knit as ours, it’s encouraging to see the board make decisions that help lift the spirits of employees during what can be a stressful time of year. Everyone deserves a little recognition for their hard work, and with these bonuses, the employees will get just that.

A Positive Step for the Future

As we approach the holiday season, the approval of these bonuses serves as a reminder of how much we value our educators and staff. With the board striving to balance budgetary commitments while still trying to show appreciation, it’s a thoughtful gesture in a time where we all could use some extra delight!

So let’s celebrate and look forward to that little extra something in our upcoming paychecks that serves not only as a financial benefit but also as a warm reminder of community support. Happy Holidays, Horry County!