(Elk Horn) Exira-EHK staff returning for next school year will receive an $1,800 bonus.
The School Board approved the retention stipend during a meeting on Monday. Superintendent Trevor Miller says he’s been working on something like this for a while. “All full-time staff is going to receive $1,800.” Miller clarifies this is not just for teachers. “It’s a nice one time thing. We are trying to be creative with how to keep our staff. With the shortage everybody will be calling trying to steal your best people, so it’s just a reward to show how we appreciate the work being done. Everyone has been through this–our bus drivers, cooks, paras, administrative assistants–everyone has had a rough last couple of years so let’s reward everybody. ”
Miller admits the level of concern over losing staff is high. “It’s a big concern because I have seen how many ads are already out there and how many people are looking for jobs. I haven’t had any staff members say they are leaving yet, but it’s just starting that season where larger schools that can pay more can try to poach. It’s kind of turning into the business world where if you know somebody good you try and get them into your district just because there is such a shortage and it’s not getting any less. The smaller districts really have to get creative and really show we appreciate them.”
Substitutes will also be included with $1,000 for those that have worked over 20 days, $800 for 10-20 days of substituting, and $500 for those that have subbed less than ten days.
