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ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Superintendent Terry Oatts, with support from the Rockdale County Board of Education, extended a $1,000 retention supplement provided by the state for educators to cover all full-time RCPS employees.
The recent $1,000 retention supplement provided by the state for educators was a welcome development for the district. However, the funding did not cover all full-time employees. This decision made by Oatts with the support of the Board of Education remedied the situation.
“I generally commend the Governor for his commitment to increasing teacher compensation, and specifically commend him for extending funds for this retention supplement,” said Superintendent Oatts. “I would also point out that apart from the increased teacher compensation by the Governor, I am proud of the fact that the Board has consistently approved my previous recommendations for increased compensation for certified and classified employees in prior budgets.”
When the state extends such funding for bonuses or supplements, it does not typically provide funding to cover all staff employed by school districts. The decision by Superintendent Oatts to extend the retention supplement to all full-time employees was well-received by the Board of Education.
“I support Dr. Oatts’ decision, as does our full Board, to extend the retention supplement to all full-time employees,” said Board Chairwoman Pam Brown. “This decision is consistent with our governance team’s commitment to enhancing compensation when feasible.”
In addition to extending the retention supplement to all full-time employees, Oatts also extended 50% of the supplement to retired educators working on a part-time basis and working directly with students, as well as retired central office staff working on a part-time basis supporting schools. Uniquely, Oatts also extended 50% of the supplement to substitute teachers who worked 50% or more of first semester providing necessary coverage of classrooms in the absence of teachers.
The retention supplement was issued to employees by Jan. 12, 2024.