The Clayton County school board started the new year off unveiling a hefty package of incentives and bonuses aimed at recruiting and retaining top employees.
The $53.3 million incentives, recommended by superintendent Luvenia Jackson, was approved during the school board’s regular meeting on Monday. The incentives package is for the 2016-2017 school year.
The package includes signing bonuses for returning and new teachers, a three percent one-time bonus pay for all active workers employed as of Jan. 15 as well as financial rewards for perfect attendance. It also includes discounted childcare services, relocation allowances, longevity recognition, school supply cards for teachers and gifts for all employees with specific years of service.
As part of the fiscal year 2017 budget, workers also get a four-percent raise and one-step increase.
“It is our goal to recognize the performance of all employees and continually recruit reputable staff,” Jackson said. “We are not only vested in the academic success of all children, but also the quality of life for our dedicated employees.”
Rex Middle School teacher Yolanda Phillips welcomed the incentives.
“Keeping highly qualified teachers in Clayton County helps us to prepare our learners to compete globally. We are educating students for jobs that are not yet in existence; therefore retaining teachers who can expand STEM curriculum and other rigorous learning experiences will ensure that our students will be equipped to fill these jobs,” said Phillips, a science, technology, engineering and math or STEM teacher. “Increasing teacher pay will energize our efforts to retain and recruit superior teachers as well as ensuring that students have access to 21st century resources needed to propel them towards distinguished academic achievement.”
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