The Courier of Montgomery County reports that in December Willis ISD staff and teachers will get a bonus of up to $1,500.
If they were hired before September 1st, Willis ISD security resource officers and teachers will get the $1,500 in December. A $1,000 payment is coming to non-exempt and hourly employees. A one-time payment of $500 is reserved for employees hired after September 1st.
During their August 9th meeting, District Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance Garret Matej, said that staff and teachers are also due a bonus during August between $1,500 to $2,500.
Because of a shortfall in local property tax revenue and state funding, back in June school officials forecast that the 2023 school year budget would not contain raises.
Districts across the state searched for funding following state legislators not passing a teacher pay raise bill or a plan for comprehensive school funding, although many across the state were in favor.
Matej said they have had to turn to “federal resources on retention payments.”
Funds for the one-time payments to staff came from ESSER, or the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief fund created though the CARES Act. CSSR, or Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funds, and the American Rescue Plan were used for additional funding. Montgomery ISD had been given almost $10 million in ESSER funds.
The deadline for use of the funds by the district is September 30, 2024.
