Next month, about 6,500 employees of the Atlanta Public School system will receive a $1,000 one-time payment.
The payment, plus the district’s share of related payroll taxes, will cost the district about $7.5 million, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. Money will come from a $30.5 million spend-down of rainy day funds approved by the school board earlier this month.
District officials said the payment is a way to show appreciation for teachers and other employees who did not receive raises this year because of budget uncertainties. APS increased its minimum wage this year from $12.70 an hour to $15 an hour, but that led to raises for only about 1,000 employees.
Skye Duckett, chief human resources officer, said teachers and other employees have paid out of their own pockets for boosted internet service, child care and some supplies while the district does virtual schooling.
“(We’re) just trying to send a strong message that they matter,” she said.
