Teachers and staff at Pea Ridge who sign contracts for next year will received retroactive bonuses for the 2009-2010 school year at a cost of $330,616 to the district.

The bonuses are meant for retention, said superintendent Mike Van Dyke.

Board member Rick Webb agreed the purpose is the keep from losing teachers and staff to other districts.

Board president Jenny Wood asked about the positions effected by the reduction in force. Recently, 10 positions were eliminated in the district.

“We didn’t lose them to another district,” she said.

“I would just like to remind you all that there is still one full-time position and two part-time positions that no one has shown interest in,” Van Dyke said.

Employees who lost their positions due to the RIF were first to be offered other open positions in the district. Positions eliminated were aides in the classrooms and in-schoolsuspension .

currently a full-time custodian position and two parttime food service positions available.

The board voted in favor of the proposal, which includes $2,500 to each of the six administrators for a cost of $21,180 to the district.

Other bonuses range from $500 to $1,500 depending upon employment classification.

PEA RIDGE SCHOOL BONUSES

6 administrators - $2,500 each plus benefits $21,180

102 certified employees - $1,500 each plus benefits $207,304

5 classified managers - $1,500 each plus benefits $9,124

50 classified employees - $1,000 each plus benefits $61,258

17 bus drivers - $500 each plus benefits $10,425

17 full-time food service - $1,000 each and 1 part-time food service - $500 plus benefits $21,289

Total classified bonus amount $102,096

Total certified operating amount $155,691

Total certified Title II-A amount $72,829

Total cost $330,616

Community, Pages 6 on 05/26/2010