SAN BENITO — It’s not too often you see school district staff dressed as superheroes.
Or staff presented with black and gold champion styled belt awards.
Cheerleaders, drill team members and the San Benito High School band drumline this past week welcomed staff members equipped with school colored superhero masks and capes at the district’s annual Back-to-School Convocation.
However, the most unique aspect of the event occurred when something hidden under a yellow sheet was wheeled out next to Superintendent Dr. Nate Carman.
He removed the sheet, revealing a briefcase filled with stacks of money and announced every full-time teacher and teaching assistant was going to be given a crisp $100 bill for reimbursement of out-of-pocket school supply expenses.
After hearing this, staff members cheered and gave him a standing ovation.
The school board of trustees granted approval to giving these staff members $91,000 to date. In total, 912 employees received $100 bills. The district has 756 teachers and 187 instructional aides.
The money came from the salaries and stipends budget in the school district’s general fund. Of the total, 88 percent came from state funds and 12 percent from local taxes as all non-federal maintenance and operations revenues for the district.
Carman initiated the idea of this gesture. He recognized the efforts of full-time classroom teachers and classroom teaching assistants during the announcement.
“I know teachers and our TA’s (money) comes from their own pockets every single year to set up their rooms, buy supplies and take care of students who need assistance,” Carman said.
“We know it’s not enough, but it’s something and we want these individuals to know we recognize what you do for our students and we’re thankful for it,” he added.
