It is an early holiday treat for employees of the City of Lakeland and the Lakeland School System (LSS). Bonuses were approved tonight (12.18.19) for everyone, part and full-time, after special meetings called by the Lakeland School Board (LSB) and the Board of Commissioners (BOC) at City Hall. This is the first time for both the city and school system that all employees will receive a bonus, largely in part to the strong financial standing of the city and the schools.
Video for both meetings can be viewed at https://livestream.com/lakeland
The LSB met at 5:30 p.m. and quickly approved the first-ever bonuses.
According to Dr. Ted Horrell, LSS superintendent, “With the recent receipt of our high school funding, our system is really at the end of a long journey and at the beginning of an exciting new one. Several board members had expressed interest in showing their appreciation to all of the employees whose hard work has contributed to the success of our schools so far.
“The significant contribution to our fund balance this year gave us the opportunity to recognize every employee in our system with a financial bonus without impacting our capital or operational plans. While this is likely not something we can do every year, I do hope this is a nice surprise that lets our team know how much their school board appreciates all of their hard work for our students.”
Dr. Horrell added, “The total is a little under $150,000. The bonuses range from $100 for our most part-time and brand newest employees to $5,000 for each of the principals.”
Board members also approved a bonus for the superintendent of $7,500.
Kevin Floyd, chair of LSB, said, “The employees of Lakeland School System are our greatest asset. We’re excited to be able to recognize their accomplishments.”
Following the LSB meeting, the BOC met at 6 p.m. for a one-time bonus for part-time and full-time Lakeland employees. The resolution was sponsored by Vice Mayor Josh Roman but the resolution was unanimously approved.
From Shane Horn, city manager, “I certainly applaud and appreciate the added consideration provided by the Board of Commissioners. The City of Lakeland employees provide outstanding service to the residents of Lakeland, I am proud to work along-side this dedicated staff and thank the Board of Commissioners for this added recognition.”
The resolution calls for a one-time bonus of $300 for part-time employees and $500 one-time bonus for full-time. Since approved, this resolution will result in a budget amendment of $18,300 from the fund balance of the general fund.
Vice Mayor Roman said, “This is simply recognition to the employees that excelled through the many twists and turns to end 2019 on a historic high note. My fellow Commissioners and I are very proud of the work that City Hall is doing. I look forward to seeing a united Lakeland in 2020.”
Lakeland United Soccer
In other news this evening, the BOC officially approved a name change for the Lakeland Soccer Program now to be known as Lakeland United. Vice Mayor Roman stated, “This is a way to commemorate the year and is symbolic of uniting the city. We came together as a group and United Lakeland.”
… Photos by Lakeland Currents
