$2,000 bonuses for Gwinnett County schools not being paid, district cites state budget

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett County School District told its employees that proposed $2,000 bonuses were no longer possible to be paid out.

In a letter sent to employees on Monday, the district said t proposed retention supplements were contingent on state funding in the budget and that the funding was not included for the fiscal year.

“GCPS does not have funding available in its current budget to provide the supplement independently,” according to district officials.

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In a statement about the budgeting for bonuses shared with Channel 2 Action News, the Georgia Department of Education said “the Georgia General Assembly approved a $2,000 one-time supplement for eligible teachers and staff in the amended FY26 budget, which was paid out. There was not an additional $2,000 one-time supplement included in the FY27 budget.”

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The department added that it does not create the state budget and that a $2,000 supplement was never included in the 2027 fiscal year budget.

Addressing the issue, school district officials said they recognized “this news may be disappointing” and said despite the change, they were still committed to supporting their employees.

“We value the dedication of our teachers and staff and understand the importance of compensation in attracting and retaining the talented professionals who serve our students every day,” the district said.

In closing, Gwinnett County Public Schools leaders thanked the district employees for everything they do for families, students and the larger community and said any confirmed updates affecting employee payments would be shared.

Channel 2 Action News has reached out to the Georgia Governor’s Office for comment on the budget. Gov. Brian Kemp highlighted the state commitment to $2,000 one-time bonuses for school employees in March when signing the new state budget.

Gwinnett County Schools was not the only district to announce plans, or proposals, for retention bonuses for the 2027 fiscal year after the budget was signed.

Other districts in metro Atlanta include:

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