It’s not every day that a school district finds itself with surplus funds, but the East Lansing district in Michigan defied the norm by finishing its fiscal year with a significant budget excess. While discussions about school finance often center around budget cuts and stagnant salaries for educators, East Lansing turned a $687,000 surplus into a rewarding opportunity for its staff.
Upon auditing the district’s finances for the 2018-2019 academic year, Superintendent Mia Thompson proposed that over half of the surplus—specifically $394,000—be distributed as bonuses for teachers and other staff members. This decision marked a momentous occasion, as bonuses had not been given to staff in decades, if ever. The school board endorsed the proposal without deliberating alternative uses for the funds.
One long-time staff member remarked that in their 39 years at the district, they had never witnessed bonuses being awarded. Similarly, local teachers’ union president, Sam Carter, expressed his disbelief, noting that bonuses seemed like a distant memory. Yet, just last week, all district employees received a handwritten note from Thompson along with a cash bonus in an envelope.
“It’s been truly gratifying to show our appreciation in a tangible way,” Thompson shared with the Detroit News. “Our staff works tirelessly for our students and families, and investing in our people is the best way to acknowledge their efforts.” Nearly 400 employees benefited from the bonuses, with full-time workers receiving $1,000 after taxes, while part-time employees took home $500.
This initiative comes on the heels of salary freezes and disappointing contract negotiations for teachers in East Lansing, reflecting a trend seen nationwide where educators feel overworked and undervalued. Erin Taylor, president of the East Lansing Board of Education, remarked, “Our financial situation has improved significantly, allowing us to recognize the hard work of our employees and demonstrate their worth.”
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In summary, the East Lansing school district’s decision to reward nearly 400 employees with bonuses from a $687,000 surplus marks a significant and unprecedented recognition of its staff, enhancing morale and reaffirming the value of educators.
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