Citing pandemic 'challenges,' Springfield schools to give extra $1K to teachers, staff

Springfield school employees working full-time during the pandemic will receive an extra $1,000 by New Year's Eve.

Part-timers will receive an extra $500.

The school board voted 6-0 Tuesday to approve a one-time payment for the employees working during the 2021-22 year. 

The $3.6 million for the payments will come from federal COVID-19 relief funds, which are earmarked to help fill gaps.

"This is just in recognition of the additional work that we know everyone is taking on to make this school year a success," said Deputy Superintendent John Mulford.

He noted employees have been working amid a variety of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This money and the timing of the disbursement couldn't be more opportune," said Laura Mullins, president of the Springfield National Education Association.

"As we continue to struggle to retain staff, showing appreciation for those who make the choice every day to come to a job to support our community's children, is a welcomed gesture."

Mullins said the Springfield NEA urged the district in August to use a part of the federal funds to pay employees returning to classrooms this fall. 

She noted SPS leaders were supportive of the idea and started the process that ended up going before the board for approval Tuesday.

"Many staff have second jobs or were applying for holiday jobs to provide for their families, particularly our sorely underpaid support staff," Mullins said.

"This news brought sighs of relief — and even disbelief — to many and some were overcome with tears of joy and gratitude."

Board president Alina Lehnert thanked the administration for listening to the needs of the employees.

"It's still a challenging time in our district. We're still moving forward," she said. "And I'm so thankful for their commitment to our kids."

Board member Maryam Mohammadkhani said "everybody is integral to making the system work" but questioned if those working in the classroom ought to receive a higher one-time payment than others.

She asked if that was an option the district should consider in the future.

"There is this heavy burden on the people that are in the classrooms, trying to fill this gap," she said.

The district, citing the uncertainty of the pandemic, did not give a cost-of-living raise at the start of the prior school year.

They were later given a one-time payment of $600 mid-year, which was spelled out in collective bargaining agreements.

This year, employees received a 3 percent cost-of-living raise plus a "step" on the salary schedule, a series of built-in raises based on years of experience or degree level.

Mulford said he remains hopeful there will not be a need for a one-time payment next year if the pandemic improves. 

He said the district talked about the amount of this year's payment with the Springfield NEA.

"We all agreed the easiest thing would be the flat amount for everybody versus trying to differentiate," he said.

Mulford said all employees have experienced "an additional workload" this year.

"At the district level, we see every person in every position and we're telling you, it's everybody," he said.

"The nice thing about this is our lowest-paid individuals, the ones who probably need it more than anybody, are going to get the same amount as the highest-paid individuals. Especially at this time of year, that's particularly meaningful."

Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com.