Metro Atlanta School Districts Boost Bonuses for All Employees

Local districts expand state-funded bonuses to include support staff like bus drivers and cafeteria workers.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A bold, graphic illustration in the style of Andy Warhol's pop art, featuring repeating silkscreen images of school supplies and equipment in a grid of bright, neon colors and heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the importance of recognizing all education employees.A vibrant visual celebration of the diverse roles that make up the school community, from teachers to support staff.Marietta Today

Several school districts across metro Atlanta are increasing the number of employees set to receive bonuses in the coming months, ensuring that support staff like bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria workers are not left behind. The Georgia Association of Educators says the state-funded bonuses only cover employees under the Quality Basic Education Act, leaving out many crucial support roles.

Why it matters

This move by local school districts highlights the importance of recognizing and compensating all education employees, not just teachers, for their vital contributions. Support staff play a crucial role in allowing teachers to focus on instruction and ensuring schools run smoothly.

The details

Districts like Atlanta Public Schools, Marietta City Schools, and Clayton County Public Schools have approved their own bonuses for employees left out of the state's list. In Marietta, all eligible permanent full-time employees will receive a $2,000 bonus, while part-time staff will receive $1,000. Clayton County Public Schools is offering a $1,500 bonus to full-time certified and classified employees not on the state-funded list. Atlanta Public Schools says all employees could receive a bonus of up to $2,000.

  • The state-funded teacher bonuses are expected to be paid out before the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026.
  • Local districts have approved the expanded bonuses in the past few months and plan to distribute them in the coming months.

The players

Georgia Association of Educators

The professional association representing educators in the state of Georgia, which has advocated for the expansion of bonuses to support staff.

Lisa Morgan

The president of the Georgia Association of Educators, who emphasized the importance of recognizing all education employees with bonuses.

Atlanta Public Schools

The largest school district in metro Atlanta, which has approved bonuses of up to $2,000 for all employees.

Marietta City Schools

A school district in metro Atlanta that is providing $2,000 bonuses for full-time employees and $1,000 for part-time staff.

Clayton County Public Schools

A school district in metro Atlanta that is offering a $1,500 bonus to full-time certified and classified employees not covered by the state-funded list.

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What they’re saying

“As a classroom teacher, I need all those additional support staff in the building to allow me to do my job and teach children, and so yes, we want all educators to be recognized.”

— Lisa Morgan, President, Georgia Association of Educators

“It's critical that all education employees be recognized with this bonus, particularly in a year where there is not a state raise for cost of living.”

— Lisa Morgan, President, Georgia Association of Educators

What’s next

The Georgia Association of Educators expects the state-funded teacher bonuses to be paid out before the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026, and anticipates that more discussions about local district bonuses will happen in the next few months.

The takeaway

This move by metro Atlanta school districts to expand bonuses beyond just teachers demonstrates a commitment to recognizing the vital contributions of all education employees, from bus drivers to cafeteria workers. It sets an example for other districts across the state to follow in ensuring equitable compensation for the entire school community.