Manassas, VA - Manassas City Public Schools continues to demonstrate strong employee retention as the division prepares for the 2026–27 school year, reflecting its ongoing efforts to recruit, support, and retain high-quality educators and staff.
The School Board of the City of Manassas received an update on staff retention during its July 14 meeting and reviewed a proposal to use one-time state funding to provide a retention bonus for returning employees.
MCPS has achieved a 93.4% retention rate among licensed employees and a 90.2% retention rate among support staff, underscoring the division's commitment to creating a work environment where employees choose to build their careers. These results are supported by recent stay interviews conducted with employees across schools and departments, providing valuable insight into what staff values most about working in Manassas City Public Schools.
Through the stay interviews, employees consistently identified several factors that contributed to their decision to remain with MCPS, including:
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students
Strong collegial relationships and a family-like culture
A sense of community and belonging
Professional growth opportunities
Visible leadership, employee recognition, and a supportive work environment
These results reflect intentional investments in initiatives that strengthen employee retention, including increased compensation and pay equity, expanded professional growth opportunities, enhanced recognition efforts, improved communication and staff input, additional benefits and retirement incentives, and leadership stability.
In addition, MCPS received $812,000 in one-time state funding through the FY2026 caboose budget to support employee bonuses, with a required local funding match. Division leaders are recommending that these funds be used as a retention bonus for employees returning for the 2026–27 school year.
If approved, the proposal would provide:
Eligible full-time returning employees would receive a $1,500 retention bonus.
Eligible part-time returning employees would receive a $750 retention bonus.
Bonus payments would be issued on August 31, 2026, pending School Board approval.
The School Board is expected to consider approval of the proposed retention bonus during its July 28 meeting.
“We are proud that so many talented employees choose to continue serving the students and families of Manassas City,” said Dr. Kevin Newman, superintendent of schools. “These retention rates reflect the culture we've worked intentionally to build, and the proposed retention bonus is one more way to recognize and thank our employees for the impact they make every day."