MARIETTA, Ga. — Marietta City Schools staff are receiving retention bonuses this Friday.
This comes after the Marietta City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to extend Gov. Brian Kemp's retention bonuses to all available staff -- ensuring both full-time and part-time employees are recognized for their dedication and hard work, according to a release by the district.
Eligible full-time employees will receive a retention bonus of $1,000, while eligible part-time employees will be given $500. According to the school district, the governor's original announcement in December about retention bonuses for teachers and support staff statewide would have included most Marietta City Schools staff but not all.
The bonuses will be distributed to eligible employees on Friday, and the extension will cost the district more than $400,000.
Marietta City Schools Board of Education Chair Jeff DeJarnett said every staff member is essential in creating a thriving educational environment for students.
"This bonus is a token of our gratitude and a reflection of our commitment to supporting our Marietta City Schools family," DeJarnett said.
The school district said that this extension aligns with the governor's initial announcement and expands its reach to ensure all staffers are recognized.
Marietta City Schools Superintendent Grant Rivera said the bonuses are a thank-you for employees' unwavering commitment to their jobs.
"Celebrating the dedication of our staff is fundamental to who we are at Marietta City Schools," Rivera said.
Marietta City Schools is not the only district to do this. For example, the Cobb County Board of Education voted earlier this month to expand its bonus to include all non-temporary staff members.
11Alive contacted the governor's office for any comment about the school district's decision.