School Board OKs $1K Christmas bonus for employees

A $1,000 Christmas bonus that will cost about $2.5 million was approved for St. Landry Parish School Board full-time employees.
The School Board approved the bonus after rejecting a $500 bonus.
After the meeting, board member Randy Wagley said he supported the $500 alternative because of budget concerns raised at an Oct. 26 finance committee meeting.
Tressa Miller, finance director had recommended a $500 bonus.
The $500 bonus was rejected on a 8-4 vote on a motion by Eunice board member Albert Hayes.
The money for the raise for about 1,950 employees is to come from the sales-tax-funded Employee Compensation and Benefits Fund, which had a balance of $6.5 million at the end of August.
During the October committee meeting, Hazel Sias, an Opelousas board member, said if the board continues to give bonuses there will never be enough money for raises.
At a previous meeting, the finance director estimated the fund generates income of $200,000 to $600,000 annually.
Voting for a $500 bonus were Hayes, Sias, Wagley and Mary Ellen Donatto. Voting against were Charles Ross, Milton Ambres, Roger Young, Huey Wyble, Standberry, Raymond Cassimere, Kyle Boss and Donnie Perron.
The $1,000 bonus passed, but Donatto voted “No,” and Sias abstained.
Board member Candy Gerace was absent.
Part-time employees, who have worked since August 2014 and receiving a December payroll check, are to get a $250 bonus, which will cost an estimated $23,000.
In other action, the board approved a project list for a $10 million bond issue that includes construction of a cafeteria and two classroom buildings to replace modular buildings at Leonville Elementary; removal of modular buildings being leased throughout the district and replacing them with permanent structures; and replace leaking roofs throughout the district.