Bus Drivers, Teacher Assistants Will Get Bonuses In Forsyth County

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools has approved a new plan that will provide merit-based bonuses for non-teaching employees. Bus drivers and teacher assistants will receive the largest amount.

WSFCS is among school districts across North Carolina getting funds from the state to pay for the bonus plan for "non educators." It's part of the General Assembly's budget bill.

The money was earmarked primarily for bus drivers and teacher assistants, but Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School officials secured additional funding from local and federal grants to provide bonuses to cooks, janitors and other staff.

School officials say the one-time lump sum will range on average from $120 dollars to $800. Matt Dixson, the district's chief operating officer for human resources, says the amount will depend on an employee's job classification, hire date and performance.

“There are job classifications that don't get the benefit of seeing raises and bonuses on a regular basis, so it's great to get them these, but also get it to them for the holidays,” says Dixson.

Around 2,500 school employees are expected to receive the merit bonuses in Forsyth County.

The Guilford County Board of Education also recently approved state-funded merit bonuses for “non educators."

The school district says eligible full-time GCS employees will receive a $440 bonus, and eligible part-time employees will receive a pro-rated portion in December.

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