By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – In these times of belt tightening and economic hardship, the St. James Parish School Board provided district employees with a little surprise at its meeting Tuesday when the body approved a measure giving all full-time workers an extra $600 to spend around holiday time.

The bonuses will be handed out some time in mid-December, according to Finance Committee Chairperson Patricia Schexnayder.

Part-time employees will receive pro-rated bonuses.

Administrative Director of Human Resources Carol Webre said the district has given employees bonuses for the past several years, but this year’s bonus will be larger than in past years.

The board also approved a motion to advertise for bids for the sale of two surplus buses.

Once those buses are sold, the district will only own two buses in its fleet. The rest will be owned by First Student, the company that now runs school transportation operations in the parish. First Student was awarded the contract to handle district transportation during the last school year.

The retirement of Executive Secretary Carolyn Weber was accepted by the board Tuesday.

She has said she wishes to retire so she can spend more time with her family. Her retirement is effective July 31, 2012.

Lastly, Schexnayder had some words of encouragement for the St. James High School football team, which just finished an 0-10 season under new head coach James Bell.

Said Schexnayder, “The Wildcats will be back next year, and we are behind our athletic director and principal 100 percent.”