Lexington city schools employees will receive one-time retention bonuses this summer, following a May School Board vote to approve the use of both state and local funds to support the payouts. The bonuses are aimed at encouraging staff to return for the 2025–26 school year and come amid a broader effort to retain quality personnel across the division.
According to Superintendent Rebecca Walters, state allocated $73,686 to Lexington for the purpose of funding retention bonuses for instructional and professional positions recognized under the state’s Standards of Quality (SOQ). These positions include teachers, guidance counselors, librarians, instructional aides, principals and assistant principals. While the state recommends an average bonus of $1,000 per eligible employee, each school division has the flexibility to determine the final structure of payouts.
During the meeting, Walters explained that Lexington would continue its tradition of expanding eligibility beyond SOQfunded roles by supplementing the bonus pool with $11,358 from the division’s year-end surplus. This additional funding will allow the division to offer bonuses to all school employees, not just those covered under the state formula.
Under the approved plan, employees who work three or more hours a day will receive a $1,000 bonus, while those working fewer than three hours will receive $500. In both cases, the bonuses will be distributed to employees who worked for LCS during the 2024–2025 school year and have signed a contract to return. The payouts are scheduled to be issued on June 30, 2025.
“This has been our practice in the past—using surplus funds to make sure all our employees are recognized,” Walters said during the meeting. “We want everyone who contributes to feel valued.”
The Board emphasized that the bonus initiative reflects both appreciation and strategy, offering a financial incentive for continuity in staffing while acknowledging the dedication of the current team.
“The goal here is simple: we want our great employees to stay,” Walters added. “This bonus is one way we show that.”
Lexington is not alone in its efforts. At the June 10 meeting of the Rockbridge County School Board, officials noted that their division has also approved retention bonuses for the current year – $1,000 for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees. No further details were discussed during the meeting, but the move reflects a shared regional commitment to retaining school staff in a challenging hiring landscape.
