Incentive package to reward teachers

SAN BENITO — High performing teachers in San Benito could be receiving a reward next year for their hard work.

During a regular school board meeting, SBCISD trustees passed an incentive for teacher performances for the 2018-2019 school year.

Teachers with at least 10 students in a tested area such as math or English can receive incentives if their students score above the state average on state exams.

The incentive package provides testing teachers with outstanding scores with $1,000.

Assistant superintendent of student services Kevin Phillips said the reward is an incentive and not a bonus.

“This encourages our teachers to give them their best each and every day,” Phillips said.

Teachers in non-tested areas such as physical education and art can earn up to $500 if their campus scores at or above the state average in all tested areas.

Librarians and counselors can also earn up to $500 depending on the performance of their campus.

Other incentives

In addition, assistant principals and deans can receive $250 for every distinction their campus earns.

Principals are eligible for $500 for every distinction.

Campuses can receive up to seven distinctions from the state including academic achievement in subject areas, top 25 percent in student progress, top 25 percent in closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness.

This amounts to $1,750 for assistant principals and deans and $3,500 for principals.

Phillips said the district wanted to offer a high enough incentive that was meaningful but wasn’t fiscally irresponsible.

The incentive is a new initiative and has not been done in the district before.

“We feel like it’s our way to reward teachers for their hard work,” Phillips said.

The incentive package is only valid for the 2018-2019 school year and will have to be put up to a vote for upcoming years.

The district estimates the initiative will cost $1 million and will be paid out in June of next year.