Teachers, other school staff in Catawba County to get bonuses

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — Teachers and other staff in schools across Catawba County will soon get bonuses in their paychecks.

In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Catawba County Board of Education approved the bonus program from federal COVID relief monies for the recruitment of new employees and the retention of current full- and part-time employees and substitutes.

“With the COVID-19 pandemic, our employees have been asked to do more than ever,” said Matt Stover, Catawba County Schools superintendent. “With co-workers and students contracting the virus or being quarantined, all staff members have had to work much longer hours and, in many cases, do two jobs at once.”

Teachers and other full-time staff will get an extra $1,000 in their paychecks. It’s not just teachers who will see a bump in their paychecks -- bus drivers, cafeteria workers and others will also be eligible for the bonuses.

“I was so excited,” said teacher Jerrica Dula. “I felt so appreciated and recognized in our profession. It was just amazing.”

All active full-time employees employed before Sept. 1, 2021, and active as of Dec. 10, 2021, will be eligible for the $1,000 bonus, which will be paid on Dec. 10, and an additional $1,000 paid on May 20, 2022, according to a release from the district.

“This is my 16th year of teaching and we’re hearing more and more it’s getting harder to stay in this field,” said teacher Laura Marvin. “It takes so much hard work behind the scenes after hours before hours to complete our job.”

Eligible part-time employees will receive a bonus of $500 on Dec. 10, 2021, and $500 on May 20, 2022.

“We want to show our employees that CCS is a place where they are appreciated and valued and where they want to continue to work. We hope that this retention bonus will help reward them for their extra duties,” said Rae Thompson, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. “With unfilled positions, quarantines, and illnesses, our employees have stepped up to do more with fewer people.”

Substitute teachers who work 5-9 days in a month will receive an additional $50, while those who work 10-14 days in a month will get a $100 bonus. Any subs who work 15 or more days in a month will get $150.

Those bonuses will be paid on Nov. 23 for days worked from Aug. 23 – Oct. 9, and then will be paid each month thereafter for days worked in the previous month.

Catawba County Schools will also be giving all new certified staff a $1,000 recruitment/signing bonus and a $500 bonus to non-certified staff after 90 days of employment.

“Recruiting outstanding staff continues to be a top priority in our district,” said Thompson. “We hope that these recruiting bonuses will help us be competitive and let prospective staff members know we value them.”

Schools have until 2024 to spend the stimulus dollars, which total $190 billion nationally.

“Most of the teachers we know are just so passionate about what they’re doing and the kids and I think it’s an added reinforcement that they’re doing the right thing,” said parent Susan Hudson. “Even during the worst of times.”

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