Detroit Public Schools employees may get bonuses in December

Detroit Public Schools announced Friday that employees will get a bonus in December if the district meets its budget goal, which looks likely. 

The DPS fiscal year that ended in June turned out better than expected, in part because enrollment last year increased by more than 300 students. The district is just waiting for the final audit.

"For every $5 million in operating surplus in any given budget year, all the employees would receive a two percent bonus in a check at the end of the year," says DPS spokesman Steve Wasko.

The bonus comes on the heels of consolidation of facilities, cost-cutting, and employee concessions over the past several years.

Wasko says if the district's financial picture continues to improve, workers could see bonuses of up to five percent next year.

The district says it anticipates a budget surplus of about $11.9 million for the 2011-2012 fiscal year.

Enrollment is projected at 49,872 students for the new school year which begins Sept. 4.