"APS Adjusts Bonus Plans Amid State Officials' Pushback, Frustrating Atlanta Educators"

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) faced criticism after including the governor's announced $1,000 bonus for education employees in their Dec. 14 paycheck as a holiday retention bonus, intending to use the funds to backfill their budget. The state school superintendent called APS's decision "inconceivable" and "baffling," urging them to give teachers the promised bonus. In response to the pushback, APS stated they would pass along any additional funds once clarification is provided on which employees should be covered. The district is waiting for guidance from the governor's office or the Georgia Department of Education on the distribution of the bonuses.