This fall, Wayne County Public Schools, with the support of the Wayne County Board of Education, has worked hard to recognize the ongoing extra efforts our staff are making as a result of COVID.  Earlier this fall, the district announced a retention bonus for staff who remained employed with Wayne County Public Schools through the first eighteen months of the pandemic.  More recently, efforts were made around November 12th to provide staff time to reflect on the current school year and prepare for the next stages to come.

On Friday, November 19, WCPS superintendent Dr. David Lewis announced to staff a new series of 2021-2022 retention bonuses.

“We know this school year has come with a great many challenges for staff,” stated Dr. Lewis. “In particular, we have experienced staffing shortages across all areas creating extra work for school and departmental personnel.  This new series of retention bonuses is intended to help staff know that we value their work as we continue to provide a high level of service and support to our students, families and community.”

The additional 2021-2022 retention bonuses include:

• Fall Semester Bonus – $1,000 for each staff member employed on or before September 15, 2021, and remaining continuously employed as of December 17, 2021.
• Spring Semester Bonus – $1,000 for each staff member employed on or before February 9, 2022, and remaining continuously employed as of June 13, 2022.
• Monthly Substitute Teacher Bonus – $250 for each substitute teacher who works at least 10 days (or the equivalent of 10 days) in a given payroll period.  NOTE: This Monthly Substitute Teacher Retention Bonus will be made retroactive to the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.

“Every employee has a valuable and important role to play in the education of our students,” added Dr. Lewis. “Wayne County Public Schools and the Wayne County Board of Education hope that these bonuses, along with any pay raises that may be coming with the passage of the state budget, demonstrate the school district’s commitment to our staff, and our sincere appreciation for all that you are doing this school year.”

Funding for the retention bonuses are available through the district’s ESSER plan and budget,  which were approved by the NC Department of Public Instruction. Retention bonuses are intended to recognize the extra effort that has been involved with helping the district get through COVID, and to help WCPS attract and retain qualified employees that can help it better pursue academic recovery.