Santa Claus is visiting Collierville Schools staff a few days early this year.
The district’s Board of Education unanimously approved employee bonuses during a meeting Tuesday night, Dec. 13.
“All the parents of Collierville, they entrust their most treasured possession to our teachers. (The district educators) do their job professionally, and they take it seriously. It’s because of all of them that we have the best school system in the state. It’s something we can do tangibly to demonstrate our appreciation to these teachers,” Chairman Wright Cox said by phone. “We want to take care of our teachers and staff. A chemistry teacher is just as important as a plant manager. Everybody has a role to play.”
All classified and certified staff will get $500, regardless of whether they are part-time or full-time.
“I do feel fortunate that we do have money we could reallocate for that purpose,” Superintendent Gary Lilly told board members last week.
The bonuses were not part of the district’s budget approved earlier this year, but due to surplus funds, the measure was discussed during last week’s work session. The decision is a reallocation of about $650,000.
During Tuesday night’s board meeting, he told staff and the community the board initiated the bonuses.
There are some exceptions for teachers who have not been in the district the entire year or spent significant time on leave.
Any teachers who are already scheduled to retire or leave the district by the end of January will receive $250. Staff who began after Oct. 1 will also receive the $250.
Staff who took 50 days or more of leave will receive $250. Any staff who were on leave between 30 and 49 days will receive $400.
Substitute teachers will also benefit. Those who work 60 days or more will also receive the bonus. Substitutes who worked between 15 and 59 days before Dec. 9 will receive a prorated bonus. Any substitutes who work 14 days or less will not receive a bonus.