$2K Retention Bonuses For Teachers, Other Full-Time Staff Approved By School Board

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA — Douglas County School System teachers and other full-time employees will get $2,000 retention bonuses if they stay employed with the district for the next school year.

Teachers and other full-time permanent employees who sign contracts for the 2022-23 school year will get the checks, according to the district. Part-time employees will also be eligible for bonuses, but not the full $2,000.

The Douglas County Board of Education approved the bonuses recently using American Rescue Plan Act money. The bonuses will be paid out by the Friday before spring break.

This bonus is in addition to the $4,000 teachers are expected to get from the state over the next school year, the Douglas County Sentinel reported. The state's amended fiscal year 2022 budget includes a $2,000 bonus for school employees, while the fiscal year 2023 budget includes $2,000 permanent raises for K-12 and pre-K teachers.

"We are grateful for all our employees and their efforts teaching, inspiring and supporting students," Superintendent Trent North told the Sentinel. "This teacher retention bonus is one way we show our gratitude to the educators who form the backbone of our school system. The Douglas County Board of Education and I hope the bonus will further support our efforts to recruit and retain the most qualified employees for our students."