Cobb's top teachers, staff to get $500 holiday paycheck surprise

September 24, 2014 Marietta - Interim superintendent Chris Ragsdale (center) meets students and teachers while Congressman Tom Price visits to Wheeler High School on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. Cobb school board members are giving their interim superintendent Chris Ragsdale rave reviews, indicating they will appoint him as the permanent replacement to Michael Hinojosa, who unexpectedly announced he was stepping down from the high profile education job in February. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Credit: Hyosub Shin

September 24, 2014 Marietta - Interim superintendent Chris Ragsdale (center) meets students and teachers while Congressman Tom Price visits to Wheeler High School on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. Cobb school board members are giving their interim superintendent Chris Ragsdale rave reviews, indicating they will appoint him as the permanent replacement to Michael Hinojosa, who unexpectedly announced he was stepping down from the high profile education job in February. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

If Cobb County's teachers and staff are tired of getting apples, a different kind of sweet gift is on the way for some 236.

Teachers of the year and classified employees of the year will receive the one-time, $500 bonus in their December paychecks.

Classified employees are the support staff, that includes bookkeepers, nurses, custodians, bus mechanics and plumbers at the schools and at the district office.

"The success of our district rests squarely on the shoulders of our great employees,” said John Adams, deputy superintendent. "We are thrilled to be able to offer a bonus to these MVPs of our fantastic team, and especially just in time for the holidays."

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Superintendent Chris Ragsdale described the bonuses as "a small way we can recognize employees selected as the best of the best by their peers."

Ragsdale announced the news at a recent school board work session and explained that the $118,000 will come from the district's general fund.