Missouri school districts offer COVID-19 relief stipend to teachers, staff members Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader
Pierce City Superintendent Kelli Alumbaugh observed what teachers and other support staff went through in 2020 and 2021 and wanted to help. It s been a really tough year for everybody involved in education, Alumbaugh said. As a superintendent, I just wanted to do something to show some appreciation for all of the hard work they ve put in this week.
Kent Medlin, the interim superintendent in Monett, also wanted to reward the extra hours spent reworking lesson plans, teaching virtually and connecting with students learning in person and online.
State law prohibits districts from giving bonuses but does allow one-time payments and stipends for extra work.
Alumbaugh said Pierce City worked with its attorney and auditor to make sure the extra payments more than $90,000 worth were allowed.
The Monett and Pierce City superintendents said they are aware of districts, including a smattering in southwest Missouri, that have provided similar payments but they are not widespread.
Asked the reaction, Alumbaugh said employees have been excited and thankful. I know it s not a lot. I d love to be able to do more, she said. But, it s a small token.
She added: It was a way to get money in their pockets. That was important to me.
Local News: Pierce City teachers get stipend (5/1/21) monett-times.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from monett-times.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Saturday, March 6, 2021
Schools hope to offer teachers opportunity to further education
Pierce City schools are moving forward with a plan to implement a college tuition reimbursement program for teachers and staff looking to further their educations.
Superintendent Kelli Alumbaugh first floated the idea of offering tuition reimbursements to teachers during the school boards January meeting. The idea was met with enthusiasm, but some board members expressed a fear that helping teachers pursue their masters or doctorate degrees could inadvertently result in teachers leaving the district to seek higher-paying positions.
Board Member Jason Chapman said last month he was in favor of the idea, but wanted assurances that the school district would see a return on its investment if it started paying teachers to return to school.