School board OKs $1,550 bonuses

Friday the 13th will bring some good fortune for Eureka Springs School District employees.

Eligible staff members will receive a one-time $1,550 Christmas bonus Friday, Nov. 13, after the school board approved the payments during a seven-minute meeting Monday, Nov. 9.

Superintendent Bryan Pruitt said every contracted employee who has worked at least 100 hours is eligible. He recommended the amount with the goal of providing employees at least $1,250 after taxes and other deductions.

“By the time you take out teacher retirement, FICA, other taxes, we just did the math, and that’s where we got it to where everybody was going to get at least $1,250,” he said.

Pruitt announced the bonuses in an email to district employees Tuesday, Nov. 10.

“The board and I want you to know we are thankful for everyone’s willingness to step up and go above and beyond to help our students and our school achieve our goals,” he wrote. “We appreciate that you do your job as professionals on a daily basis and that your willingness and ability to educate our students is exemplified in all you do. You know what needs to happen and you get it done well.”

Pruitt said the district considers projected balances and revenue when determining whether it can afford bonuses and how much to award.

“I always want everybody to know, it’s a one-time bonus. … I’ve been here 12 years and we’ve given a bonus every year, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to do that, but I don’t want them to just think it’s a guaranteed bonus every year because sometimes, if the economy hits hard, then we won’t be able to do that.

“But, right now we’re fortunate and blessed enough that we were able to provide a really nice bonus for employees.”

Pruitt said rewarding employees is especially satisfying as they face higher costs for fuel, groceries and other necessities. “It's very rewarding to know that our staff can get this bonus at this time of year,” he said. “With gas and diesel prices as high as they’ve been — which causes everything else to increase — I think it’s just a burden off of them during this holiday season to have a little bit of extra that they can spend on their families and stuff.

“Plus, it’s an appreciation of their hard work and effort for them doing what has to be done for us to be successful.”

In his email, Pruitt said he and his wife, Eileen, are “blessed to be part of this great organization.”

“We recognize and often discuss the level of dedication and professionalism displayed among our staff,” he wrote. “I am thankful everyone can be recognized with this bonus. You all know my philosophy — it takes each and every person involved in our students’ education to be successful.

“Enjoy your holiday breaks during November and December and know that you are seen, valued and respected as an integral part of Eureka Springs Schools.”