Last week, staff members in the Texarkana Independent School District received letters notifying them they would be receiving bonuses varying from $600 to $1,000 for the extra workload that has been put on them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The TISD Board of Trustees has been working closely with our deputy superintendent and chief financial officer for months on finding a way to thank the Tiger Family for all that they have done during this school year," Chief Communications Officer Tina-Veal Gooch said. "Needless to say, our staff was thrilled to receive the letter."
TISD also posted on all its social media platforms to thank the trustees for their support in approving the bonuses.
The bonuses, which have been dubbed by the district as "Tiger Pay," include Christmas incentives and were included in the Nov. 20 payroll.
The letters sent from the board to staff members thanked them for their efforts in providing virtual and traditional instruction, as well as having to clean and disinfect classrooms.
"The COVID pandemic has hit education hard," the letter states. "We know that it has not been easy with the significant workload that has been added, but each of you have shown your passion and professionalism through it all. We hear the stories of your creativity and innovation in and out of the classroom. Lastly, we see the comfort and care you are giving our students, and each other, as we all walk through these uncharted times."