The state recently provided supplemental funding to school systems to support additional expenditures related to activities associated with the closure of school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many school systems across the state are using these funds to provide temporary hourly pay increases for classified employees working on-site during the closure of schools. Work duties during the statewide closure of schools have focused on the preparation and distribution of food, preparation and distribution of instructional materials, and sanitation of facilities and buses.
“Our people have risen to the occasion when other schools across the state delayed the implementation of food delivery and remote academic support services,” said Superintendent, Dr. Bill Nolte. “Haywood County Schools has exceptional employees across the board. We are especially appreciative of our front-line hourly employees who get critical work done every day.”
Classified employees actively working on-site during the closure of schools will receive the hourly pay raises listed below. Hours will be based upon the actual hours clocked From March 16, 2020 through May 29, 2020. Payment will be made in conjunction with the normal reporting periods.
- Cafeteria Workers – $1.50 an hour increase
- Bus Drivers and Monitors – $1.50 an hour increase
- Custodians – $1.50 an hour increase
- Teacher Assistants – $1.50 an hour increase
- School Based Clerical Employees – $1.50 an hour increase
- Other Clerical Employees – $1.00
- ITC Employees – $1.00 an hour increase
- Maintenance Employees – $1.00 an hour increase
- Bus Garage Employees – $1.00 an hour increase
The hourly pay raises do not apply on (1) sick leave days (2) annual leave days (3) holidays (4) Isolation or quarantine days (5) childcare leave days or (6) remote work under a telework agreement.
“I want to thank the administrative staff who sorted through the regulations and helped develop this plan,” said Superintendent, Dr. Bill Nolte. “Our Board members were very supportive and our Finance Department went above and beyond to implement the plan on short notice.”